During the public portion of the South Amboy Council meeting, student athletes from the South Amboy High School girls’ varsity tennis team came out to voice their concerns about their playing conditions. While the city has made progress in making positive changes, including adding porta-potties and increased police presence near the courts, the varsity team had concerns about the lighting schedule and the condition of the courts and nets.

The team made points of the lights not being timed properly to when the sun goes down and the courts having too many cracks to safely play. They also noted that the nets and their hooks were becoming rusty from staying out in poor weather and they’ve had games stopped and relocated because of it.

Business Administrator Camille Tooker gave the varsity team the good news they were looking for.

“We did have companies come in and see if they could repair [the court] and fill the cracks, unfortunately the cracks are too cracked,” Tooker said. “It is on our capital list to have those tennis courts resurfaced in early spring so you’ll have them [new] next year.”

“The lights at the court were supposed to be changed to a photocell that would automatically come on when it gets dark,” Tooker explained. “Apparently it has not, so I’ve made a note and we will have that done.”

“As for the nets that’s a no brainer, just don’t leave them out in the winter,” she jokingly added. “We’ll talk to public works about it…the recreation we do offer we want to make sure you’re safe while you play.”

All council members were in attendance for the meeting. The next council meeting will be November 18th at 7:00 p.m. — Joe Kochie.