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OTHER TRAVERS PARK IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY INCLUDE MORE TREES, EXPANSION OF THE CONCRETE LAKE SKATE PARK AND A NEW INCLUSIONARY PLAYGROUND. STAFF PHOTO
events, including a kids' movie night, non-school-day programming during teacher in-service days, and summer adventure camps at the sport center. Residents can reserve use of the sports courts online up to a week in advance. Additionally, those with a more flexible schedule can show up at the beginning of a 90-minute play session offered daily in hopes of getting court time. “Each day, there will be at least one, sometimes two, 90-minute ‘community court’ time slots where any Sandpoint resident may drop in and play tennis or pickleball for free,” said Welker, adding they need to register with the city and sign a waiver. Non-city residents can play a 90-minute session for a nominal fee of five dollars during the community court time slots.
For those who play regularly, there is an opportunity to sign up for a monthly membership fee, which is $40 for a Sandpoint resident or $45 for a non-resident. If paying for one year in advance, registrants will receive two months free. The drop-in fee for the other 90-minute sessions each day is $16. “The benefit of joining is the drop-in fee for members (during the non-community court time hours) is only $5 per 90-minute session, instead of the $16 that non-members will pay,” said Welker. Thirty lockers, where users can store their items securely while playing, were donated by Gonzaga University’s athletic department. Facility Supervisor Katie Bradbury manages a staff of up to five part-time workers who assist in the facility's daily opening and closing and support maintenance. They also manage online reservations and member management. “In addition to managing the facility, Katie will develop various city recreational programs to maximize the opportunities for the public to engage with the James E. Russell Sports Center,” said Welker. The facility is part of other improvements at Travers Park that include a new play ground, expanded skate facilities, and a new bike skills course, along with improved playing fields and walking paths. For memberships or to book court time, visit www.sptmag. com/russellcenter
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