Casper, NCSD is looking at a partnership to create a 10-court tennis court in Highland Park

CASPER, Wyo, the City of Casper and the Natrona County School District are considering an agreement that would allow a new 10-tennis court in Highland Park.

Casper Mayor Carter Napier told the city council on Tuesday that the NCSD is proposing to build six new courts and renovate four existing courts located near Casper Recreation Center near Beverly Street.

The school district would fund the project and the city would be asked to provide a plot of land. In addition to new courts and existing renovations, Napier said the district wants to repair the parking lot, install a bathroom and license, and add paths and possibly seating to the area.

“This is a great partnership opportunity if it succeeds in this regard,” Napier said.

RaySellier, chairman of the NCSD board, told the city council that the district is looking for a new facility in Highland Park because it is centrally located between Natrona County and Kelly Walsh High Schools.

He said the public would have the right to the courts when school groups do not use them for training or competition.

Catellier said the new fields could attract some tournaments to Casper. Napier said 10 courses could make Casper more attractive to regional tournaments. To host state tournaments, he said about 24 courts are needed. Napier said the council may also want to consider using the funding to repair other courts across the city to make Casper a more attractive state-wide tournament destination and financial benefits.

The Casper Community Tennis Association is hosting a Jalan Crossland concert to be held at Casper Country Club on Thursday. The goal is to raise money to improve Casper’s tennis facilities.

Napier said the tennis courts in Washington Park need repair the most.

The city would not be asked to fund new Highland Park 10 courts.

Councilor Bruce Knell asked Napier if he had seen any possible downsides to the district’s proposal.

“I really don’t see the downside,” Napier said, noting that NCSD will retain the property in addition to the proposed upgrades. He added that maintaining public access is another reason why he doesn’t have major concerns about the downsides.

“Hopefully we can make pickle tracks,” Napier added, noting that the recreation center and Casper Senior Center have a desire for a place to play basketball.

Councilor Steve Cathey asked Catellier if the district had considered whether dewatering problems could occur in the lower four courts.

“It was one of the first things we looked at,” Catellier said, adding that while there are some concerns, the district believes it is possible to address drainage issues.

Catellier noted that the city already has some storm relief equipment in the area and that the project includes some technical measures to address this problem.

Knell asked if there is a timetable for the project, for which Catellier noted that the district is tentatively looking into the fall of 2022, although it will depend on whether contracts are made on time.

“That’s our goal right now,” he said.

Napier said the council should approve a memorandum of understanding with the NCSD so that the project can proceed as proposed.

The Council approved the city’s staff to move to drafting contracts for future formal consideration.

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