Tennis courts slated for Ben Williams Park

In less than a year tennis enthusiasts in Lakeside won't have to drive to Kalispell or over to Bigfork to get some time on the court.

The Flathead County Weed/Parks/Recreation Board approved funding assistance last week for two tennis courts at Ben Williams Park.

The proposal was put forward by the Lakeside Parks Advisory Committee after the county said some funding was available next year for projects, if the communities were able to match and raise funds. The committee was competing for funds with other similar committees throughout the county.

The county will put forth $40,000 for the installation of the courts and will put another $10,000 in a fund for their maintenance, committee member Jennifer Drew said.

"We're thrilled," Drew said. "It's just been a project of ours for a long time. In this economy though, we thought these would be on hold a long time. We're just excited."

Installing tennis courts in Ben Williams has been in the works for more than 20 years, Drew said.

Ben Williams has been a priority for the Lakeside Parks Advisory Committee, with much work being done to it over the last few years. Last spring new playground equipment was installed at the park as well as a new vaulted toilet.

Drew herself is looking forward to getting some playing time in at the courts.

"I learned at 10 years old and I still play at 57," she said.

The courts will be installed with community assistance and the help of the heavy equipment class at Flathead Valley Community College, which will do the work for the price of parts and gas since it provides training to the students.

Once they are installed, community members will be able to put on tournaments or summer camps. Students at the schools and people who would normally have to drive elsewhere to play tennis will be able to stay in town.

"It's something for people to do here in Lakeside," Drew said.

The standard-sized courts will be in the old volleyball section of the park and will include a backboard so individuals can play on their own, without partners, Drew said.

Though the county board approved the funds, they aren't accessible until the new fiscal year in July, so work won't be able to begin until this fall.

Some funds will still need to be raised — about $10,000, Drew estimates. The final cost will be subject to change, as the bids the committee got to be able to present to the board are only good for 30 days.

Those interested in donating to the project can do so through the Lakeside Community Development Foundation account at Flathead Bank. Donations can be made by mailing checks to Box 1002, Lakeside, MT 59922, or calling Flathead Bank at 844-2535.

The committee also needs volunteers interested in being a part of this project. To volunteer, contact Drew at 844-3995. Residents can also attend the parks committee meetings the first Thursday of every month in the Lakeside Community Chapel at 7 p.m.