What will become of the old tennis courts?
With the new tennis courts on the Boothbay Region school property nearing completion, Boothbay Harbor selectmen have turned their attention to what to do with the old courts at the intersection of Emery Lane and Townsend Avenue.
A plan proposed by Danielle Betts, a civil engineer for the Knickerbocker Group, shows an expansion of the parking area next to the old tennis courts and a one-way "drop-off" loop for cars. A walkway on the design connects the outer edge of the parking lot to the school sidewalk and the restrooms, and easy access to Emery Lane. The plan also shows an increase in the available green space, where trees or shrubs could be planted.
“The existing parking lot next to the old tennis courts is wider than it needs to be. By narrowing the width to the standard of 60 feet, a 10-foot wide landscaped median could be incorporated between the public sidewalk along Route 27 and the parking lot,” Betts said. “This creates an opportunity to extend the street tree planting that currently lines the frontage along the high school, offer shading, and also improve stormwater management as runoff from the parking lot would drain into the green space before entering the storm drain system.”
The Department of Environmental Protection approved the plan. If the selectmen make any changes, the plan will have to be reapproved.
"That doesn't mean we aren't open to possible changes," Vice Chairman Denise Griffin said. "If a community member comes forward with a really good suggestion, we would discuss the possibly of amending the plans."
The selectmen discussed at a recent meeting the possibility of setting up a "gateway" to town in the old tennis court area, with an information kiosk for tourists. There was also discussion of adding the area as a trolley stop, with Rocktide Inn's approval, but no decisions have been made as of yet.
If any residents have ideas for the area, they are urged to contact the Selectmen’s Chairman Bill Hamblen at whamblen@alumni.bowdoin.edu or attend a meeting of the Boothbay Harbor selectmen. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Town Office.
