By George Slaughter, Information Editor
Katy tennis fans can now get pleasure from enjoying their sport on improved tennis courts at Katy Metropolis Park. The enhancements occurred because of an $8,000 donation from Aileen Rios and her firm, Harvest Midstream of Houston.
Kevin Browne, the town’s parks director, stated Rios reached out to the town about making a donation. She talked about renovating the tennis courts on the park, 5720 Franz Street. Town was already planning to make these renovations, Browne stated. Town took Rios, who’s a GIS (for geographical info system) technician, and her firm, a privately-held midstream firm companies supplier, up on the present.
“It was good timing, an excellent alternative,” Browne stated.
Council Member-at-Giant and Mayor Professional Tem Chris Harris stated when Rios made the donation, she invited him and Ward B Council Member Rory Robertson to play a match towards her and her husband, Arturo. It could be one of many first matches—if not the primary—on the renovated court docket.
Harris and Robertson had been as much as the problem. However additionally they warned her that they weren’t that good at tennis.
“She sort of launched us to the game,” Harris stated. “We’ve had youngsters which have performed earlier than. We knew somewhat bit, however not sufficient to play her. It was loads of enjoyable.”
Robertson, a former Katy Tigers soccer participant, described the expertise as a blast.
“We had been destroyed score-wise, however we acquired loads of classes on how one can play,” Robertson stated. “I’d prefer to thank them for his or her endurance and kindness for educating us to play tennis. Each Chris and I had been sore for a number of days afterward. We actually loved the day. Possibly I’ll play them once more loads later if I get in higher form.”
Robertson and Harris expressed because of Rios and Harvest Midstream for the present.
Browne stated whereas he performed tennis in highschool, he hasn’t performed the sport in a while.
“I’ll need to go on the market and test it out,” Browne stated.
Browne stated the town has made different enhancements across the tennis courts, together with renovating the picket benches, which had been rotting beneath.
Town can also be growing a health court docket on the north aspect of the park close to the basketball court docket and Play Station Playground. The court docket can have areas for performing quite a lot of workouts. Town accepted a $50,000 Nationwide Health Marketing campaign 2022 grant from Blue Cross Blue Defend of Texas for the creation of the health court docket.
The court docket wanted extra cash for set up of the concrete slab and surfacing the place it might go, together with gear and any personalized art work. The council licensed a further $92,350 in parks bond cash for these issues.
Robertson, who’s a instructor, stated he has college students who go to the park to play after faculty. Having an improved set of tennis courts helps.
“There’s extra participation in tennis as a result of we now have the most effective amenities now,” Robertson stated. “I see that each day. I actually suppose Katy Metropolis Park goes to be one of many high amenities within the space.”
Browne stated the division is making ready to obtain design and development documentation for a parks and upkeep, licensed as a part of a bond package deal authorized by Katy metropolis voters.
“I’ve seen some preliminary paperwork,” Browne stated. “We’re simply ready for the total package deal.”
Harris stated Browne has executed an excellent job serving the neighborhood.
“I see extra individuals out in our parks, greater than I even used to think about,” Harris stated. “I believe they’re doing an awesome job, and I can’t wait to see what’s happening in future with the parks grasp plan.”
Robertson stated he hoped the improved courts will encourage others to take up tennis.
“it’s a very nice present,” Robertson stated. “Parks are a cause why loads of households transfer to Katy. It’s one among our highlights.”
