Input sought on future Ranchos tennis courts

Tennis courts have been budgeted for the open space project in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Now it's up to the public to put in their ideas for the project to get started.

Bob Spellberg, district manager for the Gardnerville Ranchos Improvement District, said money is in the open space fund for the construction of two tennis courts within the 20-acre space on Mitch Drive between Topaz Lane and Jobs Peak Drive.

"The plans are already in the master plan," said Spellberg. "Once we get the budget in and get the street project going, we can get going with the tennis courts."

Plans are for tennis courts of asphalt or artificial turf, a high wall for practice and parking areas. Future plans could include water for drinking fountains and rest rooms.

Items up for suggestion are the choice of materials for the courts - asphalt is cheaper to install but needs to be sealed and lines painted on a regular basis while lines are already on the artificial turf.

After input is received, construction could start on the tennis courts in the late fall or early spring.

"The district will hold community meetings in June or July to solicit comments from residents," said Spellberg. "There can be two meetings where people can drop in - like an open house."

No dates are set for the community meetings yet but residents are welcome to stop by the district office to see the artists' rendition of plans for the open space project.

The Ranchos district office is at 931 Mitch Drive. Information at grgid.com or 265-2048.