Argay Park’s tennis courts are set for a $1.07-million-dollar renovation next summer, which includes removing most of the holly trees adjacent to the court this fall.
COURTESY PP&R and HARPER HOUF PETERSON RIGHELLIS INC.

At last month’s Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association meeting, Portland Parks & Recreation staff presented the bureau’s planned improvements for Argay Park’s tennis courts at Northeast 141st and Shaver Street.

Part of the $68 million Parks Replacement Bond that voters approved in November 2014, this renovation costs $1.2 million, project manager Jill Hutchinson told neighbors; however, according to PP&R spokesperson Mark Ross, she was a bit off. In an email after the meeting Ross said the allocation for the tennis court project is $1.07 million. This includes not just construction costs; but also consultant design and construction administration services; building and site development permitting; PP&R staff project and construction management; and contingencies.

At the project’s completion, he added, monies not spent go back into the general bond program for other projects. Ross also said PP&R regrets giving out the incorrect figure and is informing the neighborhood association of the mistake.

Improvements include rebuilding the playing surface to eliminate cracking and differential settlement; replacing all fencing, nets and stanchions; upgrading the lighting; and replacing the drinking fountain by the court. Additional improvements include replacing wood planking on the existing benches; correcting ADA accessibility deficiencies in the pathway from Northeast 141st Avenue to the courts, and adding a stormwater facility to address stormwater run-off from courts.

Because holly trees are on the city’s nuisance tree list and block sight lines from the street creating security concerns, some or all the invasive trees on the west side of the courts will be removed.

After the presentation, PP&R received feedback from neighbors who emphasized the historic value of the holly trees. Parks is modifying the design to maintain a few of the holly trees to honor this history while still achieving the safety goals, according to Ross.

New trees will be planted in a pattern that allows for clear views of the picnic table and tennis courts. Construction is set for next summer. However, the holly trees may be removed as soon as fall this year to meet tree removal regulations related to the migratory bird nesting season. More information can be found at parksreplacementbond.org.