Page 1Tennis court fundraising starts - The Daily Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa: Home: keokuk high school tennis courts, mary ellen pfeifer, keokuk city coun...

10/31/12 12:40:27 PMhttp://www.dailygate.com/article_0d7ec606-6947-540c-b6d7-0021cbbf54b4.html?mode=print

Tennis court fundraising starts

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 12:00 pm

A group of community members that is interested in about resurfacing the Keokuk High School tennis courts has obtained about 15 percent of

the anticipated $175,000 project cost, through the generosity of local organizations and individuals.

Mary Ellen Pfeifer, whos heading up the fundraising effort, first approached the Keokuk City Council and Keokuk School Board in June

regarding the declining condition of the courts. The facilitys asphalt surface has been recoated every five to eight years since it was installed in

1991, but Pfeifer believes thats no longer enough to make the courts safe for use. The surface is sliding off in some areas and is riddled with

cracks that are 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick.

The project committee is proposing that the school district, which is responsible for 40 percent of maintenance to the courts, install a Premier

Court system that comes with a 25-year warranty. The city covers the remaining 60 percent of maintenance under a 28E agreement.

Even if new (asphalt) courts were installed, cracks would begin to form in seven to eight years, Pfeifer wrote in the project summary. Asphalt

cracks during the Midwest winters, and the contractor (who installs the courts) will not guarantee that surface.

The Premier Court product is a combination of a patented manufactured composite and standard acrylic recreational coating. According to

information provided by the company, the Premier Courts free-floating composite technology creates a weatherproof barrier that eliminates

existing cracks and prevents new ones from forming. A subtle cushioning effect helps avert knee injuries.

A $175,000 bid obtained from All Weather Courts includes repair and painting of net posts, materials and installation of the court per the

manufacturers specifications, application of three coats of the playing surface, layout and striping according to the U.S. Tennis Associations

specifications, and materials and installation of four nets and center straps. Quick Start lines, recommended by the USTA for children ages 10

and younger, and junior tennis lines are included free of charge.

These smaller courts provide the tools for children to become more confident in themselves as players and as individuals, Pfeifer said. Obesity

is one of the fastest-growing and costly childhood diseases.

Tennis provides exercise, fitness and a lifelong sport, she added. A local doctor once said that tennis players are not a good population to

sample for the obesity problem because tennis players tend to be fit for life.

The school board agreed in September to commit up to $50,000 for the project, provided that the rest of the funding comes from the city, grants

and private donations. The city council has yet to name the amount it plans to contribute, but the request for funding has been under review by the

councils Finance Sub-Committee.

To date, $24,550 has been raised. Roquette America Inc. was the first business to provide funding, and First Community Bank and Walmart

have followed suit. Support has come from four charitable organizations thus far the Grace Bott Millar Foundation, Keokuk Community

School Foundation, Agnes Benstein Foundation and Keokuk Sports Boosters.

Several community members also have contributed funds and are helping Pfeifer solicit donations. Assistant Lee County Attorney Bruce

McDonald of Keokuk, who helped raise money for the high schools weight room project, is spearheading a $100 Club for the tennis court

project. Hes sending letters to local business people and other individuals to encourage them to give one-time, tax-deductible gifts of $100 each.

Im not a tennis player myself, but any time theres students involved Im a go on it, McDonald said about the project.

He described the need to update the facility as important not only because high school students use it, but also its used by the community at

large.

He noted that many businesses consider their communities recreational facilities when recruiting employees from other areas.

Pfeifer also is pleased that local contractors are interested in donating labor and materials for the repairs.

Shes applied for several grants and is optimistic that at least one of them will be awarded for the KHS project.

Tax-deductible donations to the project can be sent to Keokuk Community School Foundation, P.O. Box 431, Keokuk, IA 52632. A notation

designating the donation for the KHS tennis courts must be put on the check.