News Summary

In Camas, a proposed partnership between the Camas School District and USTA to create a year-round tennis facility has sparked opposition among local business owners. Concerns include potential threats to local businesses, traffic, and safety issues. Evergreen Tennis owners have argued for an alternative pavilion cover instead of the bubble concept. A public hearing is scheduled for March 20, where community members can voice their opinions on this ambitious project.

Camas Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Tennis Partnership

In the charming city of Camas, there’s been some buzz about a new partnership between the Camas School District and the United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest (USTA) that’s raised quite a few eyebrows—and not just from tennis enthusiasts! The proposal to transform Camas High School’s outdoor tennis courts into an all-year-round facility has met resistance from local business owners and community members alike.

What’s the Big Idea?

This partnership aims to build a bubble over the tennis courts at Camas High School, allowing for year-round play. The Camas School District is considering signing a 30-year contract with the USTA, which would come along with a hefty investment of around $2 million to enhance the tennis facilities. This grand plan includes resurfacing current courts, replacing worn-out nets, improving the lighting, and offering tennis lessons while also operating what they call a community tennis hub. Sounds great, right? Well, not everyone in town agrees.

Local Business Under Threat?

Enter the owners of Evergreen Tennis, Clark and Caryn Vitek, who have started voicing their objections. Their facility, located about five miles from Camas High School, is known for its four courts and has been running successfully for the past 11 years. The Viteks worry that this new bubble could overshadow their business, which they believe serves the community’s needs well. They argue that placing a public tennis center on a school campus is unusual and may not align with what local voters had in mind when they approved facility bonds in the past.

Traffic and Safety Woes

Beyond the business implications, Clark Vitek has raised alarms about potential traffic and safety issues. With more activity and presumably more traffic around the school, especially during peak hours, the Viteks believe the proposed bubble could create congestion and chaos. They’ve called into question the completeness of the traffic study conducted by the school district, suggesting that community safety should be a priority in these discussions.

A Spanner in the Works

The Camas school board did give this partnership the green light back in July, but the Viteks are hoping to stir the pot with an idea of their own—why not build a pavilion cover for the outdoor courts instead? They argue that this alternative would be significantly more affordable and easier to permit than the USTA’s bubble concept. Plus, they concern themselves with how spectators would experience matches in a bubble versus an open-air pavilion. It’s a debate that could have lasting implications for the community.

Membership Matters

A quick glance at membership fees shows a clear difference between the offerings at Evergreen Tennis and what would be available under the USTA plan. Evergreen Tennis charges an annual fee of $99 for an individual membership, alongside hourly court rates of $44. Meanwhile, the USTA program in Vancouver offers a membership at $129 annually plus a $29 initiation fee for court reservations. It’s a price difference that could sway local tennis enthusiasts one way or the other.

Public Hearing Ahead

Looking ahead, the Camas school board has planned a public hearing to discuss the conditional use permit for the tennis project. This event is scheduled for March 20 at Camas City Hall, and it’s expected to draw a mix of supporters and opponents. As the community gathers to weigh the pros and cons of this ambitious project, local residents are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns. It’s a big decision that will shape the future of tennis in this lovely city.

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