It's taken longer than expected, but Dickinson-area tennis enthusiasts should be exceptionally pleased with the end result of the new indoor tennis facility attached to Dickinson's West River Community Center.
Located on the northwest corner of the community center, the indoor tennis addition includes two state-of-the-art courts. The colorful blue and green indoor court surface provides an enticing contrast to the tall white walls that extend to the white ceiling.
Lighting is reflected off the white ceiling to eliminate glare and provide an evenly lit space for competitors. Community center users also can look into the tennis addition from above when working out on the facility's walking/jogging track.
Even though the community center can still be considered "new," it was already possible to pursue this new tennis addition thanks to the remarkable ongoing overall center membership response. The $800,000 tennis addition project also was assisted by $120,000 that was raised by area tennis supporters.
The new addition also provides additional office and storage space. Still being debated and not yet developed, which is surely to disappoint area golf enthusiasts, is the best way to also incorporate an indoor golfing area into the addition.
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The original thinking for the golfing component in the addition was to include several side-by-side spaces to hit golf balls. The more recent discussions involve possibly installing golf simulators.
The least expensive simulator would help analyze an individual's swing, while the more expensive models would allow individuals to "play" well known courses. Dickinson Parks and Recreation Director James Kramer continues to research this golfing aspect so the park board can make a final decision.
Unfortunately, the continued discussions involving the indoor golfing component means it will not be ready to help hone area golfer's swings for the upcoming golfing season as originally hoped. Instead, it is more likely to be ready this fall.
Given the large number of golfing enthusiasts in this area, we would encourage the park board to set aside a portion of an upcoming meeting to formally take comments regarding this indoor golfing facility. This would allow anyone with thoughts on the matter an opportunity to be heard before a final decision is made.
Meanwhile, tennis enthusiasts and the region as a whole, have yet another reason to be proud of our community center with the completion of the indoor tennis facility. We look forward to the added benefits this addition provides and congratulate the park board and tennis supporters for joining together to accomplish this great indoor facility.
