Councillors say ‘yes’ to Meadow Park tennis court, ‘yikes’ to the pathways

While Huntsville Town Council approved $105,000 to replace the Meadow Park Tennis courts, they were less receptive to the idea of spending an additional $26,881 to redo the pathways in that vicinity.

Colleen MacDonald, Manager of Parks and Cemeteries, appeared before council at the end of September looking for approval to spend $26,881.57 on pathway reconstruction. The original budget had estimated that the pathway reconstruction would cost $10,000. MacDonald explained that the increased cost was due to improvements to drainage at the culvert crossings as well improvements in grade and smooth access that will meet accessibility requirements. For the most part, councillors where very concerned with the new price tag.

Pathway through Meadow Park

Councillor Bob Stone seemed to sum up the feeling around the table. “We don’t have $105,000 to replace the tennis courts but we elected to do it for the health of our community, but this seems excessive. This is crazy to me.”

There are presently three pathways at Meadow Park. One leads to the tennis court from Forestview Drive and the other two bisect the park allowing people to traverse between Forestview Drive and Meadow Park Drive. Deputy Mayor Karin Terziano questioned the need to upgrade all three paths.

I understand we need an accessible pathway to the tennis courts but do we need three? Could we elect not to put a pathway through the park and just leave grass? I am just questioning the path that leads through the park because it is nowhere near the tennis courts.Deputy mayor Karin Terziano

MacDonald cautioned council that if the job were not completed to standards drainage problems would persist, as well, the pathways would not be deemed accessible.

Councillor Det Schumaker was the lone supporter of the expense.

Part of the problem is that things haven’t be done properly in the past so if our staff tell us this is what needs to be done then I applaud them. I guarantee you that if you wait to do this it’s going to cost you twice the $16,000.Councillor Det Schumaker

In the end, council agreed to replace only the paths that are destroyed during the construction of the tennis court.