Plans to reconstruct the tennis courts at Sunnyside Park in Atlantic continue to move forward, thanks to approval from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Atlantic Parks and Rec Director Roger Herring said at Monday evening’s meeting of the Parks & Rec Board, that the USTA approved the plans last week. He says because the plans have been approved, the USTA will send the City an application for funding. Once that’s complete, Herring says he hopes to announce the letting of bids for the project within the next month. Herring said also, the City has “A shot at having some new courts, or at least starting on them, by this Fall.”

The tennis courts at Sunnyside Park are in poor condition, and need to be resurfaced, especially before district tennis action can be held. During their meeting on April 10th, the Atlantic Board of Education agreed to split the cost of resurfacing the tennis courts with the City, which in return will help with the future costs of refurbishing the Washington tennis courts. The USTA application should help the City to obtain a grant to pay for the Sunnyside court improvements, thereby reducing the costs.

On another note, Herring says improvements have been made to the tennis court restrooms. Instead of replacing the restrooms at a cost of about $200,000, Herring took some money from the Capital Improvements fund and the Sunnyside Park Improvement Fund, and “refurbished” the old restrooms. He says the toilets and sinks work fine, but the lighting was “absolutely horrendous.” Herring improved the lighting for as little as $60, by installing “vandal-proof” lights, which also increased the brightness. He says they also painted the restroom interior, which is something that had never been done. He said the concrete block “dungeon” look is gone, and it’s “100% better,” on the inside.” The restrooms will soon be open to the public.

The City of Atlantic’s Park and Rec Department Summer programs appear to be a big success. Parks and Rec Director Roger Herring said at Monday night’s Parks & Rec Board meeting, there are 25 kids involved in the Playground program, 130 signed-up for the tennis program, 60 in swimming, and 270 in Little League. He said all the kids are getting their lunch, the busing program is working well, and the playground crew had done a great job with keeping kids busy with various activities. The response he says from kids and their parents so far, has been very positive.

The Parks and Rec Board were so impressed with the way Herring has performed in his position since taking over last year, they voted unanimously to grant him a pay increase. Board Chair Stuart Dusenberry said he’s heard nothing but positive comments about Herring and his accomplishments.  Board member Jolene Smith says she thinks Herring “Does the work of 10 men,” and there’s things getting done “that have never gotten done before.”

Herring says despite hitting some potholes to progress along the way toward completion of various projects, such as dealing with the proposed Park Maintenance Building and the related hoops one must jump through to make that happen, he’s enjoyed the job immensely. Chris Jimerson, City Council representative on the Parks and Rec Board, says Herring’s “People Skills” are what sets him apart from some of the past persons who have held the position of Parks and Rec Director, especially when it comes to the City’s Little League Program, and dealing with those involved in helping to make it a success.