Grand Re-opening of Pioneer Park Tennis Courts

 

Despite the inclement weather, several high-spirited tennis enthusiasts joined City Council and staff to celebrate the grand re-opening of the tennis courts at Pioneer Park in November. Although many of ceremony attendees were Novato Tennis Club (NTC) members, a group which uses the courts on a regular basis, now that extensive improvements have been made--including light installation which will allows for night play--the hope is that the courts will be utilized more frequently by more Novatans.

 

"As a father of five children all raised here in town, I can say I have spent many hours enjoying Pioneer Park. Now as a tennis player it just got better. Thanks to the City's hard work and willingness to listen to our needs. We will all benefit," said NTC member Peter Overfield.

 

"This project is a great example of how Novato's residents, community groups and City staff working together accomplished something that will benefit our community for many years to come, and I'm very proud to have been a part of it," said Pam Shinault, Director of the City's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

 Improvements included rebuilding the courts' surface with post-tension concrete, installing new benches, new fencing and gates, building a new picnic shelter with LED lighting, creating new pathways around the exterior of all four courts and installing court lighting. The project was included in the City's Capital Improvement Budget and totaled an investment of approximately $613,000.

 

"Tennis is a great social activity," says NTC President Izzat Amadea. "We're like a big family. We want people to feel welcome here, and anyone can come and play with us. We really enjoy playing with each other and the improved courts just make it that much more enjoyable."

 

The courts are available to the public on a drop-in basis for individuals, and by reservation for groups. Schedules are posted on-site. For information on availability and reservations, please call 415.899.8977. 

 

Passing the Gavel

In December, the Novato City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Jeanne MacLeamy as the new Mayor, and Councilmember Pat Eklund as Mayor Pro Tem. Each will serve in that capacity for one year. MacLeamy, elected to the Council in 2003, starts her third term as Mayor of Novato.

 

 Left to right: Councilmember Eric Lucan, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Eklund, Mayor Jeanne MacLeamy, Councilmember Denise Athas, Councilmember Madeline Kellner, City Manager Michael Frank

 

Your City Council At Work

 

In January, the City Council discussed and adopted a Local Preference Purchasing Ordinance, which provides a competitive advantage to local businesses when doing business with the City. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after adoption.

 

On Jan. 27, Council adopted by a 4-1 vote the Community-Based Transportation Plan, which identifies the transportation needs of lower-income residents and provides solutions to address those needs. The plan funded by the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and developed in partnership with the City, Marin Transit, TAM, and with the active participation of Novato community members and organizations.