The Portage Rotary Club initiated a committee about three years ago to restore the tennis courts located on Island Park in Portage la Prairie for an estimated $30,000 dollars. Four cheques were presented today from various service clubs and organizations.

"We were looking at raising $30,000 and we definitely met our goal," says Committee Chair Travis Foster. "We want to acknowledge the help that we've gotten from the Lions Club, the Community Foundation (of Portage and District), the (Portage Plains) United Way, as well as Portage Rotary Club. We've been working on it for about three years. That's when I got the first quote. It's going to be done this year. It looks like July 20th is our date that's set as long as the weather permits, and it'll be nice and fresh for August."

$5,000 was donated from Portage la Prairie Lions Club, $18,000 from the Community Foundation of Portage and District, $10,000 from the Portage Rotary Club, and $1,000 from Portage Plains United Way.

"The finishing that we're getting done is three coats of paint, any dips filled in and any cracks filled in," explains Kelvin Lobban, tennis club president. "It should have been done three to five years ago. If it's allowed to go much further, then you're facing a huge expense for putting an asphalt layer on top. That can get over $100,000. At this point, we can preserve the courts at $30,000 and then we've preserved it for another ten years or so."

Lobban emotionally thanked the four organizations who presented the donations.

Community Foundation of Portage and District Representative Gail Patterson says the Foundation was thrilled to give $18,000 to such a charitable cause.

Cathie MacFarlane, Rotary Club president, adds it's the first Rotary-driven project. Members were approached and asked for initiatives. Rotarians followed up with a community search for what was needed, and the tennis courts were suggested by Foster.

Lions representative Murray Graham says his club's happy to help out, noting it's great to see students using the courts today. He says classes take place at the courts Tuesday and Thursdays including adult classes.

"Portage Plains United Way was really excited when we were approached by Travis for this opportunity," says Mandy Dubois, United Way executive director. "We used our Community Response Grant funds that we hold back from our campaign each year to help fund this project. It's important to us because the tennis courts provide an opportunity for free recreation in our community aside from the rackets and balls. It's available to everybody as well as many groups who use this, including the Tennis Club and the Portage School Division. It's an important piece in our community and will help strengthen it."