Published: January 23, 2008 11:38 pm      

Roxbury tennis courts soon to get makeover

Eight tennis courts at Johnstown’s Roxbury Park are scheduled for a makeover.

City Council on Wednesday approved an $86,750 project that is expected to be completed before summer.

Two tennis courts will be repaved and receive other upgrades, including new poles and fencing.

“They’re in definite need of repair,” city Recreation Director Cliff Kitner said.

Six other courts were repaved about a decade ago and simply need to be resurfaced, Kitner said.

HRI Inc. of State College, which received the contract, will have 120 days to finish the job after city officials give them the go-ahead.

The lighted courts, which are available for use by individual players, also are used by local high schools and the Greater Johnstown Tennis Association.

The association has pledged a monetary donation to assist with renovation costs, Kitner said.

The court renovation is the latest up-grade at the 29-acre Roxbury Park, the city’s largest and most popular recreation spot.

Other projects have included:

• Creation of an ice-skating area at the park’s roller-hockey rink. Officials expect to open the rink for skaters during a community gathering scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting.

• Renovation of the historic Roxbury Bandshell through a volunteer preservation group. More information is available at www.roxburybandshell.com.

• Planned installation of about 40 lights along the park’s walking trail. The PennDOT-funded job is slated for completion in the spring.