U Serve Libby, groups improve tennis facility
It’s been a long time, 11½ years to be exact, since the first mention of the need for new tennis courts in Libby. Since April 2001, U Serve Libby, Inc. has been on a mission to provide community tennis courts in a convenient, safe location.
The newly built backboard brings the Libby Community Tennis Court project to the end of the basic construction phase. Planned improvements include a concession stand and information kiosk, which will be added as funds are available. One improvement already added was the equipment shed that recently was built as an Eagle Scout project by Michael Curtiss and his crew.
Funding has always been the big concern with this project, but it shows what can be done with determination and cooperation. The county, school district and city have all contributed knowing that the end result would benefit the schools and the community as a whole.
A $10,000 grant from the United States Tennis Association through the USTA Facility Assistance program was the largest grant received. U Serve Libby is very appreciative to the USTA for their support, U Serve Libby, Inc., officials say.
Other grants for as much as $5,000 also were received from Plum Creek, Flathead Electric, Rotary, Lincoln County Community Foundation, Montana Tennis Association and Thrivent.
The community support was what brought it to fruition. U Serve Libby has been asking for donations and having fundraisers such as Bingo and an annual Krispy Kreme sale since the early years of the project.
Local businesses have come forward again and again with merchandise, monetary donations, materials and labor. And despite these tough economic times, the people of Libby, and even some people who don’t live in the area, have contributed what they could. One young boy took $10 from his piggy bank to donate to the cause; others were able to give much more.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who has helped us. The USTA and the Montana Tennis Association were very supportive and gave us the advice we needed as we embarked on this project. And the local community has really been there with us along the way,” read the statement from U Serve Libby, Inc.
“Libby is now able to host divisional tournaments again, and we’ll see some return to the local economy as a result. We have received overwhelmingly positive comments about the quality of the courts from visiting teams. The plan is to host tournaments and clinics and bring more people to these courts to enjoy the game,” the U Serve, Inc., statement said.