The town of Linden is ensuring the public and Linden-Kildare ISD have a first-class facility on which to play tennis. The town is having the two courts at the Crow-Heath Park resurfaced by a professional with 40 years of experience in the field.
In fact, Tim Kennedy of Oklahoma City was the court expert here in 1999 who brought the 10-year-old courts up to a colorful and attractive state.
Kennedy began his work this week by spending two days on hands and knees filling in cracks. Next to come are two layers of textured, pigmented and resin-bound acrylic. Then the final striping and installation of court accessories will be done. The possible acquisition of wind screens is also being considered.
The two courts are used by the L-K Tigers tennis team as its home court for matches. The courts are lighted for use by the public at any day or time and in general are well maintained. Town employees see to it that grass is mowed and grounds are level.
Linden's town officials have made steady progress in creating public recreation and health opportunities starting with the city park, which opened with sanded volleyball court, disc golf and walking trails in 2014.
Recently the town installed lights at the Crow-Heath basketball court after having put up new goals, baskets, nets and a high wire fence backdrop. A walking trail off in the woods at the Crow-Heath Park has been cleared and opened by volunteers.
Also this summer, the town worked with volunteers to get the former baseball field near Music City Texas ready for softball and league play.
Some volunteers playing regularly at the tennis courts have contributed upkeep assistance. John David Russell and Bruce LeGrow purchased and installed one new net. LeGrow and Gary Clayton built and installed one courtside bench. Youthful tennis players Vince and Clare Wong have placed and continue to service a tennis ball recycling container on court. Through the years, industrial electrician Gerhard Wiesner has kept electrical equipment in repair.
Court installer Kennedy has 40 years of court resurfacing experience throughout the country and including one assignment to finish a 44-court facility in China.
"I even had the contract to do a larger facility in India, but that fell through when they did not meet my financial requirements. It was OK. I had plenty to do here in the United States," Kennedy said last week as he worked on the courts.
Kennedy had given the Linden town council a bid of $8,800 for the work when the next closest bidder was at $15,000, according to Allie Anderson, director of Linden's Main Street program, which plays a major role helping programs succeed that bring progress to Linden.
Anderson said additional walkway concrete access, drainage improvements, trash receptacles, benches and a public sign encouraging the public to assist in taking care of the courts will be added to the facility.
"The surface being put on can be damaged such things as skates, cycles and cleats. We want to keep the facility beautiful for the playing of tennis, and everyone can be proud of the courts," said a volunteer who plays on the courts.