Wednesday, 17 February 2010 17:00

Amador Tennis Club Gets $500 from Ione City Council

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slide4-_amador_tennis_club_gets_500_from_ione_city_council.pngAmador County – Former Jackson Mayor Rosalie Pryor-Escamilla received a $500 pledge from the Ione City Council Tuesday that will remodel the Argonaut High School tennis facility. Pryor-Escamilla, Amador Tennis Club president, told the council the fund drive goal is $20,000 to refurbish the tennis courts, which were built in 1996 and are showing signs of decay, including hazardous areas for its users. She showed photos of cracks in the court surfaces, and said the courts benefit Ione residents, including players of Junior Team Tennis and at Argonaut High School, as well as any adults burning calories Wednesday and Thursday nights at “drop-in tennis.” She said Junior Team Tennis has introduced 159 kids to tennis, and had 295 kids participate in 3 years. Pryor-Escamilla said 24 percent of Junior Team Tennis players are from Jackson, while 29 percent are from Ione, which does not have its own tennis courts. She asked the council to donate $500 and place a donation form on the city website. She also promised payback. Pryor-Escamilla said: “When you prepare to build tennis courts of your own, I guarantee you the Amador Tennis Club will be there to help you raise money.” She told success stories of Ione girls, including one JTT player who made the Argonaut varsity team as a freshman, and another vying for a varsity spot as a junior. Councilman Lee Ard said the new Howard Park Master Plan includes tennis courts. Councilwoman Andrea Bonham suggested going to the Ione Picnic Committee for other donations, and Mayor Skip Schaufel suggested the Ione Rotary. The council unanimously agreed to donate $500 for the project, and also to post information on the city website. Yesterday, Jackson City Council reportedly also made a donation to the fund drive, giving $1,000 to the cause. Pryor-Escamilla said she would work with City Manager Kim Kerr on possible grants for Ione tennis, and Kerr said they could then turn around and go through the Ione Recreation Commission, because the club can help leverage funding. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Read 387 times Last modified on Thursday, 18 February 2010 05:06
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