County, city and school district endorse tennis court deal

Libby Public School officials approved an upkeep agreement that involves several local governments for area tennis and pickleball courts.

“It's a very positive event for us as the school board and the community,” said Superintendent Ron Goodman.

School board members unanimously endorsed the inter-local agreement for the upkeep and improvement of the Libby Community Tennis and Pickleball Courts during a Feb. 8 meeting. The contract is a joint agreement between the school district, Lincoln County, the City of Libby and the Libby Park District Board. The school board is the last entity of the group to give its approval to the contract.

The terms of the arrangement give the Libby Middle High School tennis teams exclusive use of the courts on Spruce Street, near Libby City Hall, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays during spring season. U Serve Libby, Inc., a local nonprofit organization that leases the courts from the city, are given non-exclusive use of the courts throughout the rest of the outdoor tennis season.

The courts are open to the public when not in use by the high school tennis team or U Serve.

As part of the agreement, the public agencies are required to deposit $1,500 a year into a maintenance fund managed by U Serve.

The school district is responsible for removing snow and cleaning the courts prior to the spring sports season and after practices, meets and tournaments. School administrators are also required to provide liability insurance coverage during school-sponsored events.

During the summer and fall, U Serve will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the facilities. Before the cold sets in, the nonprofit will have to lower the nets and lock the court gates. U Serve will post public notices for tennis and pickleball activities and lessons.

The contract requires the City of Libby to provide liability insurance for the day-to-day use of the courts. City employees will have to repair and maintain walkways, parking lots, sprinkling systems and other municipal facilities associated with the courts.

The agreement will remain in effect until Nov. 30, 2030.

Libby City Councilors also approved the agreement during a Jan. 19 meeting. Robin Benson, county clerk and recorder, said commissioners had previously signed off on the contract. Jim Germany, a member of the Libby Park District Board, said that board had approved the agreement.