Cashmere pursues grant to reconstruct aging Vale Elementary courts

CASHMERE — Cashmere officials are pursuing grant funding to help reconstruct the aging tennis courts at Vale Elementary School, a project that could also expand pickleball opportunities while preserving a heavily used community recreation facility.

The City Council approved a resolution June 22 authorizing submission of a grant application for the project, which would be pursued in partnership with the Cashmere School District.

According to Director of Operations Steve Croci, the courts have developed significant cracking and surface failures that can no longer be adequately addressed through routine maintenance.

"There are cracks this big,” Croci told council members, making a size gesture with his hands, “and they're offset by a quarter-inch.”

School officials have continued making repairs to keep the courts playable, but Croci said the underlying base beneath the courts has deteriorated to the point that a complete reconstruction is likely necessary. Simply lifting sections of the surface through slab-jacking would not solve the larger problem.

Under the concept presented to the council, the existing courts would be removed and rebuilt on an improved base. Plans could also include upgraded lighting, improved accessibility and striping for pickleball in addition to tennis.

The project would shift the courts slightly from their current location to create better access for wheelchairs and pedestrians between the courts and nearby school facilities.

Council members questioned the project's estimated cost, which approaches $700,000 in preliminary grant documents. Croci cautioned that the figures represent early planning estimates and may be inflated as part of the grant application process.

If funding is ultimately secured, the school district would continue partnering in maintaining the courts while the city would partner in pursuing the grant opportunity. Croci said district officials had already been exploring options for addressing the deteriorating courts before approaching the city about a joint application.

The proposal aligns with goals identified in the city's parks planning efforts, including expanding opportunities for pickleball, one of the nation's fastest-growing recreational sports.

Council members emphasized that approval of the resolution does not commit the city to spending local funds on the project. Instead, it allows staff to submit the grant application and evaluate potential funding opportunities if the proposal is selected for further consideration.

The city expects to learn more about the grant's competitiveness and potential funding levels as the application process moves forward.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media