Architect's conception of proposed Park Place Tennis Complex on site of Thomas Jefferson School.

---

PARK PLACE TENNIS: 8 Courts Proposed to Be Built on Jefferson School Site

Neighbors Support New Central High Facility, Grants to be Sought

May 30, 2015
By: Dave Rogers

The Bay County Tennis Association board of directors are proposing a new Park Place facility for Central High boys and girls tennis.

Beth Trahan, Bay County recreation assistant, said the proposal calls for the old, unused Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on Park Avenue to be torn down in Fall of this year.

Cost of tennis project is estimated at $400, 000. "The committee will be looking for grant money and donations from different entities," said Ms. Trahan.

In attendance at a planning meeting last week were City Manager Rick Finn, a representative of the Bay Area Community Foundation, retired dentist Gerry Schloff, Harold and Irene Holcomb, Central tennis coach Joe Ricard, Bay City Public Schools board member Pauline Helmling, Greg Helmling, Boehringer Court residents Mary and Rick Dryzga, and Central High Principal Tim Marciniak.

County Executive Thomas L. Hickner said he will recommend to the board of commissioners that the County Recreation Plan be amended to include the Park Place facility.

Although the county does not have a recreation fund, Mr. Hickner said inclusion of the project in the recreation plan is expected to bolster grant applications.

A representative of the U.S. Tennis Association, who has previously advised the planners, will be invited to the next meeting, said Ms. Trahan.

###