“The tennis courts are in need of replacing,” Adam McComb, Elkin’s recreation and parks director said.
“The (low) temperatures combined with all the winter precipitation has caused further damage to the courts by opening up cracks and causing an uneven playing surface.
“The school system and the success of Elkin City Schools tennis program has been a direct result of the town’s commitment to the upkeep of the tennis courts. From the beginning of spring through the fall, the tennis courts are utilized by the school’s tennis teams from 3 - 5 p.m. every day.
McComb explained to the town board the cost of repairs the town has made to the courts.
“Since 2002, the town has invested $31,035 in repairs to the tennis courts. We asked an official from the USTA to come and inspect the courts for us as to the condition being favorable for another tournament. The inspector deemed the courts are not safe for tournament play.
“We have plans to repair the cracks in the courts beginning April 1, but the repairs will not fix the problem.”
McComb said moisture under and around the courts are the primary culprit for courts’ unstable foundation and crumbling surface.
Commissioner Terry Kennedy compared the foundation of the courts to the foundation of a house; without a strong foundation, the house would crumble like the tennis courts are doing now.
McComb surveyed other parks and recreation departments across the state about the solution they would use to repair and or replace the courts. Eleven responses came in, most being in favor of hiring an engineer to design plans for new courts. Other responses were in favor of site specific repairs about the scope of work needed and still others offered having a contractor do the repairs.
The cost of new courts could range from $25 to $50,000 each. McComb told the commissioners that the USTA offers a grant that will pay 20 percent of the cost up to a maximum of $50,000. The grant, however, is based on an invitation to apply.
McComb explained that he felt the USTA would be favorable to an application from Elkin if the board made a commitment to replace the courts.
“The total cost of the courts with replacement of the foundation and installation of the new drainage system could be as much as $300,000,” McComb said. “Elkin has eight courts and at $25,000 per court, that would be $200,000. The other options would be a cover and resurfacing of the courts, which was not advised.”
The board asked questions concerning the fencing surrounding the courts and as to whether the price included replacement of the fence. McComb explained to the board that he felt the fencing could be preserved and re-installed, but there would be a need for replacement of the fencing post.
The replacement was estimated to take four to six weeks.
Lloyd Payne, Elkin’s town manager, explained to the board that he and McComb also had private individuals interested in providing funds for the new tennis courts, and with a commitment from the board to fund the replacement, they could contact the investors and ask for additional funding from Surry County.
The board unanimously agreed to allow McComb to research the funds for new courts and to provide the needed funding.
On the topic of tourism, Commissioner Joe Walker and Elkin’s economic director, Leslie Schlendler spoke to the board about the marketing being done in connection with the Very Surry program as well as the effect that the marketing is having on Elkin. They also spoke of the new banners for downtown Elkin and the placement of banners on C. C. Camp Road leading visitors to downtown.
“In 2000 and 2001, we in Elkin began looking at tourism in relation to Elkin,” Walker said. “ As of last year, we’ve found that the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival, held annually every May, makes a 500 thousand dollar impact on the area. The monies made from the festival operates the Jonesville Welcome center, the visitor’s center in Elkin and pays for the staff for the Jonesville Tourism Development Authority.
“The Yadkin Valley Tourism Authority was formed as a “marketing organization” to promote the Yadkin Valley, a 15-mile radius around Elkin. The tourism authority was formed in 2005 and currently operates under Visit the Yadkin Valley,” he said.
“As of Oct. 2006, the authority has collected 80 thousand dollars from the new occupancy tax, which helps to fund Elkin having our economic development director, Leslie.”
Schlendler spoke to the board about the marketing sources she has been able to place Elkin in.
“We have print ads in the “Our State” and the new NC Winepress magazines, as well as the Visit Surry County directory,” Schlendler said. “We also have a presence on several associated Web sites to Surry County and Elkin in particular. We have ads on billboards and have purchased new town banners. We also work with the chamber and the Yadkin Valley Wine festival in promoting Elkin.”
Schlendler continued to talk about future plans and ideas she’s hoping Elkin will be able to implement in drawing both business and residents to the area.
Robert Fuller, Elkin’s Maintenance director spoke to the board of commissioners about the recycling of plastics after the new law was put into place last fall surrounding landfills not accepting plastic along with regular garbage.
“We’ve had a 20 - 25 percent increase in the number of residents participating in recycling,” Fuller said. “We’re looking at replacing the 18 gallon rectangular plastic bins we use for recycling now with roll out carts like our garbage containers. Recyclables become heavy and the current bins we offer do not hold the many plastic jugs, bottles and containers along with the paper recyclables.
“The roll out containers would be 96 gallon containers and would be designated either by a different color or have a different color lid,” he said. “We’re also entertaining the idea of accepting a proposal from Waste Management for the removal of our garbage and recyclables.”
The board then discussed the pros and cons of having a waste company take over the garbage collection. After much discussion, the board unanimously approved going ahead with the proposal for a grant to help with the cost of the new roll out recycle containers.
The board scheduled the first budget workshop for Monday, April 26, followed by a second workshop on Monday, May 3, with the final meeting on Thursday, May 25.
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