Jefferson City's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission will spend $31,710 to help Lincoln University plan renovations to the Yvonne Hoard tennis courts on the northwest corner of Lafayette and East Dunklin streets.
"The MOU (memorandum of understanding) is not complete, yet," Director Todd Spalding told commissioners Tuesday afternoon. "What we need to do to keep this project moving in a timely manner is go ahead and approve the design costs from Central Missouri Professional Services, and we would split that cost" with Lincoln.
He added: "I think this is a good direction to go as we move forward. I think this will be a wonderful project for us."
In an interview after the meeting, Spalding told the News Tribune: "I think it's just important to offer what our community needs, and if we can help - whether that's a monetary contribution or ongoing maintenance or whatever that means - the community wants more tennis courts."
Spalding said Jefferson City's Public Schools also are interested in the project.
"I did have a meeting with the superintendent last Friday, and he felt supportive of what we're asking in that MOU, the cash contribution of $62,500, and no upkeep costs," Spalding reported. "That will still be Lincoln's responsibility and our responsibility.
"He suggested that, after a year, we revisit the MOU and see how much they're using (the courts) and then possibly for (them to pay) an ongoing maintenance cost at that point."
Board members noted Helias Catholic High School's new sports complex on Myrtle Street also will include some tennis courts.
"It certainly would be a nice touch to keep the doors open with the YMCA, Helias and, of course, JC whom we have spoken," commission President Brad Bates said.
The department's Washington Park tennis courts also need repair and maintenance work, commissioners noted.
"We're going to look at what we can do for that park and what kinds of improvements it's going to need, how much money it's going to cost to bring those back up," Spalding said. "Right now, the surfaces are good."
Spalding also gave an update on construction of the new, $11.5 million Lincoln University/Parks and Recreation Wellness Center/Multipurpose Building on the LU campus.
"The structure is really coming together; it's really starting (to be) impressive," he said. "Once that roof gets on - which we're closing in on - it's going to be very, very good for us, and we can start to feel really confident about a Jan. 30 open date."
The project has experienced 22 bad-weather days when no work could be done, Spalding said, but that's lower than the contractor had predicted.
And, he said, city and LU officials are starting to do more work toward fitting out the building's interior.
Tuesday, he noted, technology folks from both Lincoln and Jefferson City's government met to develop plans for handling internet access for hundreds of people attending a special event at the center, such as a volleyball or basketball tournament.
"This (facility) is going to be used by lots and lots of people," Spalding said.
Previous coverage:
Tennis complex project rallies, May 18, 2016
Lincoln University still seeking partners in tennis complex, Nov. 15, 2015
LU seeks partnership for new tennis courts, July 17, 2015