Column: Anticipation builds as new courts take form

• District 518

District 518

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — Do you remember when you first received your driver’s license? Thinking of how you could go anywhere and didn’t need an adult to drive you there? The overwhelming feeling of freedom started to kick in.

Or remember as a child on Christmas Eve, when going to sleep was never so hard? The excitement of what was coming left a wonderful memory of things to come. At Christmastime my goal was clear — stay up late enough to go to candlelight service and to find all the gifts with my name on them. I would find a gift with my name and start the guessing game. Of course, I would get caught shaking gifts and have to leave the adult- guarded Christmas tree area, but it was worth a try. It felt like the time for candlelight service and opening gifts would never come.

Well, I already know what’s under the wrappings at the middle school. It’s just going to take a few months more to see what’s inside.

There are five courts at the middle school that have been formed with concrete, one court that is prepared for concrete, and two courts marked and waiting to be prepared for concrete. The courts will then need to cure for about a month to a month and a half. The finishing coat and painting of the boundary lines will then take place in spring 2012. The timelines could change a little depending upon weather, but a little more time to ensure the project is done right is priceless.

Now is a great time to go and see the progress of the courts. After church this Sunday, take the family for a drive past the middle school and talk about how your family will be the first ones to play tennis on the new courts. If you want the courts done even sooner, as you drive by the courts and see the crew working, beep your horns and wave. I’ll bet they’ll smile, think everyone in Worthington is crazy and work harder to get the job done … or not.

I understand not everyone shares my enthusiasm for getting to see the tennis court project unfold. Everything takes time and money, not exactly what some want to invest. I hope this is one of many projects to improve the facilities and activities in Worthington. If you feel the same, then take the initiative and start a group to discuss what you think our community needs. Once you’ve gained community support, address the city and share your ideas along with what resources you have to help assist that goal or vision.

I believe Worthington has a lot to offer and has more potential to grow. A home is what you make it. (It’s also you what you think it is and say it is).

Thank you for helping Worthington be a great place to live.

Michael Marquardt is the boys’ and girls’ tennis coach for Worthington High School and a Prairie Elementary physical education teacher.

Tags: district 518, opinion, education, worthington, columns, tennis