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Tennis courts’ reno complete
Madison Park Tennis Courts on Hughes Road have been renovated and are now open for play. Anyone can play tennis at no charge. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – After years in disrepair, Madison Park Tennis Courts have been renovated and are open and free to the public.
The courts, directly south of Discovery Middle School, have been resurfaced, lined and fenced. “The original courts had fallen into disrepair and become an eyesore along Hughes Road,” Madison Parks & Recreation Director Kory Alfred said.
Pro Court Construction Inc. won the bid for milling, resurfacing and lining at $94,300. A&G Fence installed the fencing at $19,000.
This year, City Council approved funds to resurface Dublin Park’s tennis courts, but that work didn’t require a total renovation. “This cut Dublin’s project in half and allowed $47,000 for the Madison Park Courts,” Alfred said.
District 7 Councilwoman Ronica Ondocsin then contacted Madison County Commissioner Steve Haraway, Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong and State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, who agreed on the remaining funding appropriation.
“Since I took office six years ago, residents have asked me, ‘Why aren’t we doing anything about the courts?'” Ondocsin said. After reviewing usage options, City Council and Ondocsin realized the best idea was to restore the courts.
“We’re really excited for the renovation. People, who don’t even play tennis, are saying that the area looks so much better. They’re glad the eyesore is no longer there,” Ondocsin said. “I hope Madison Senior Center will use the courts for walking, too.”
The courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to sundown. Courts are open on first-come, first-served basis and are free. No registration is required.
Players are not allowed to have food or glass containers. Bicycles, roller blades, skated, motorized devices and pets are not permitted.
Along with tennis, individuals can play pickle ball. “The courts are lined for Pickle Ball and tennis. Pickle Ball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States,” Alfred said. Following the same rules as table tennis, pickle ball players use paddles to hit a plastic ball.
In 1975, the city developed the courts with a Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant. “A large number of U.S. parks were developed through this grant program,” Alfred said. “One condition of the grant is the area must remain a park as designed in perpetuity.”
In the future, Alfred hopes the city can pave a walkway and light the courts.
