Basketball court may get an overhaul

Sundance's recreational space could see an overhaul next season with a suggestion to allow students of Crook County School District to make use of the city's outdoor basketball courts.

Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz presented the proposal to the council last week following a meeting between herself and Public Works Director Mac Erickson, Superintendent Mark Broderson and a group of parents.

Lenz explained that Sundance Elementary School grew this year by around 45 kindergarteners. In response, the district is interested in changing part of their fenced basketball court into a ball pit for age-appropriate games.

"In doing so, they will lose their court and they have thermal grid heating wells under there, so as far as moving it onto their grass, that's an issue, so they were wondering if the city would be interested in entering into an MOU with them on our outside basketball courts that are hooked to the tennis courts," she told the council.

The district would need to run a fence between the two, said Lenz, to prevent the kids from running out or so that part of it could be gated off if there are not enough staff present to cover the whole area.

The courts would also need to be resurfaced, she said, although the district already has the adjustable hoops to finish out the rework.

Discussion has only just begun as to how the two sides can partner and who would cover the costs, according to Lenz, and no cost estimates have yet been created.

However, on the basis that it would see the courts revamped, she said, "It could be a win for all of us."