City of Salina Begins Process of Transferring Jerry Ivey Park Tennis Courts Ownership to USD 305

Elly J. -

Jerry Ivey Park currently has 4 tennis courts. These courts are used by the public as well as Salina High School South during their PE classes and normal tennis athletic usage.

As a prior article written by this freelance writer indicated, Clark Renfro with STA/SNG stated, that with the construction of the new Kenwood Park Tennis Complex, the City of Salina would be indeed losing the tennis courts at Sunset Park, as well as the courts at Jerry Ivey Park.

According to City Manager Mike Schrage, "USD 305 has been a participant in the conversation and have been supportive of the Kenwood Park Tennis Complex. They have also approached the possibility of accepting maintenance and ownership of the four city tennis courts at Jerry Ivey Park. They have indicated an interest in a larger footprint, to expand the tennis courts at Jerry Ivey Park for South High School."

Concerning this issue, the City Commissioners had a deed before them that had been negotiated with USD 305, stating that the school district would acquire the property under certain terms. If those terms are not met, the property would then revert back to the City.

These terms include, according to Schrage:

  • The school district must resurface the courts within 365 days
  • Year-round access must be allowed to at least 4 courts, except in the event of tennis matches or regular Salina South High PE classes
  • The school districts does reconstruct existing courts and hitting wall
  • The school district does not use courts for a period of 18 consecutive months
  • The school district attempts to convey ownership of the property to another entity

This deed transfer does involve the park property, which under Kansas Statute 12-1301 requires a process of public notice and possible protest petition.

Within the statute includes, "Before making a trade or exchange or sale of park property, the city must first publish notice of such proposal in the official city paper. If, within 30 days, a protest signed by 10% of electors that voted in the last city election is filed with the city clerk, then a majority of the votes cast on this proposition is required at the next city election for this to proceed."

Schrage pointed out that, based on the last city election, that would equate to 653 signatures on any such petition.

With that being said, the first step for the city commission was to authorize the publication of this desired deed transfer within the city paper.

Mike Schrage pointed out that the school is agreeing to improve the courts, freeing the city of such expense. Upon construction completion, eight courts will be available, four open for public use and four being for school use.

When it came time for public comment, Denise Ward was the only citizen who had any concerns on this matter.

"So, they're planning on giving a larger footprint to USD 305. I understand that is part of where the sand volleyball court and basketball court is. Has staff indicated a new location for those for the public?"

City Manager Mike Schrage replied, "Yes, we would need to relocate those. If you envision the footprint of the existing 4 courts, the expansion goes east about that same distance but it still leaves additional ground at the park."

Denise replied, "So, you're planning on moving them down?"

Schrage responded, "Yes, they could be moved further east is one possibility."

Mayor Hodges spoke up, "Just to confirm, there are plans to relocate the courts."

Schrage confirmed, "Yes."

Commissioner, Dr Trent Davis asked, "Is that in there anywhere?" He was referring to the proposal.

Schrage stated that it would be a city project, not required of the school, to complete.

Commissioner Davis then asked a pertinent question. "Do we have funds for that?"

City Manager Schrage stated, "Yes, it would come out of the park budget and annual allocation."

Keep in mind, that the governing body did not necessarily pass anything on this matter at this point. They simply authorized the announcement of the public notice within the city newspaper.

The motion passed 5-0.