Public agencies combine efforts to oversee tennis courts

From the “City of Eagles” to the “City of Courts,” a cooperative effort between three public agencies and a nonprofit is set to serve up tennis to the Kootenai community.

Lincoln County, the city of Libby and the Libby Public School District each signed an interlocal agreement to ensure the use and maintenance of six new tennis courts near City Hall.

Sandy Hauck, U Serve Libby Inc. president, believes the new courts will provide the community with a healthy, affordable sports alternative.

“This is going to be just wonderful for the community,” Hauck said. “Everyone can feel a part of this lifelong sport.”

Hauck has tennis in her veins – one of her sons went on to become a tennis pro and the other is pursuing a career in the sport. As for herself, she said she has been known to “bat the ball around.”

Hauck is also excited about the potential to get Lincoln County youth involved at an earlier age. She believes tennis will strengthen not only future high school athletes, but also create a long-term commitment to healthy, outdoor recreation.

U Serve has been supporting Libby tennis for more than 20 years, many of those spent funding the Libby High School tennis team by paying for coaches, travel, equipment and uniforms.

“We really appreciate all the hard work they have done over the years to sustain our tennis efforts,” said Kirby Maki, Libby Schools superintendent.

The Libby School District is now fully funding the tennis program, which according to Hauck has allowed U Serve to spend time and energy getting the new courts.

“We still support the tennis program, now we can offer different services,” Hauck said.

Hauck, Maki and mayor-turned-county commissioner Tony Berget believe the new courts open up new doors for Libby.

Maki hopes Libby can one day host the state high school tournament, which could bring up to 10 different teams to town, filling hotels and restaurants.

In 2006, Libby had to host the Western divisionals in Kalispell because of a lack of courts and their condition.

When construction is complete, Libby will have 15 courts available to the community, six of which are privately owned by Herb Neils and another three located at the high school.

The courts will require maintenance and eventually resurfacing. That’s where the interlocal agreement comes into play by designating responsibility between the four parties and establishing an interest-bearing maintenance fund.

Hauck said U Serve was not asked to sign the agreement because it was not a public entity, but was included because of its dedication to the sport, lease agreement with the city and the ability to provide clinics, social events and public instruction.  

Each group will deposit $1,000 a year into the fund, and when the courts need resurfacing, the money is available.

“We need to have an agreement for maintenance and grant purposes,” Maki said. “It is not left to one or the other when it comes to snow removal or other types of work.”