Loomis Town donates $50K to Del Oro tennis court upgrades

It's game, set and match for the Del Oro High School tennis courts in Loomis. Loomis donated $50,000 toward a facelift of the Del Oro High School tennis complex, which doubles as a community park for the small Town. With a meeting packed with local tennis players and coaches July 8, the Town Council voted 4-1 to help fix the courts, considered a vital community asset. Local tennis leader Paul Frank asked between $50,000 and $60,000 from the Town rainy-day reserves to resurface the Golden Eagle complex. Last refurbished in 2018, the grounds are marked by significant cracks, posing safety hazards and detracting from community pride when hosting visitors, said Frank. The courts are otherwise a plus in promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement, said Frank, adding that roughly 70 percent of tennis is played at public facilities. "You could pay to play at Auburn Racquet Club and Johnson Ranch or Lifetime Fitness. But the six community tennis courts at Del Oro are the only public courts from Johnson-Springview courts in Rocklin all the way up to North Auburn," said Frank. "They're heavily used, and a significant asset to the Town, serving Loomis residents with a healthy, fun, lifelong sport." Several community members, including coaches and high school players, voiced their support, sharing personal stories about the impact on their lives and the community, underscoring the need for a safe and presentable facility. Tennis Coach Jen Isaac said Del Oro is a "no-cut" program, meaning any student can play. "We already have 60 girls signed up for this fall," she said. While the previous council gave $50,000 for the last facelift in 2018, construction costs have since inflated to the lowest current bid of $99,000, staff said. Frank, however, said fundraising efforts by players and others have already raised $15,000, and they are confident about additional contributions. Council members expressed their support for the project, recognizing the tennis courts as a crucial part of Loomis' recreation infrastructure. "We are a small Town, and don't have a parks budget. Maybe we should," said Councilmember Jan Clark-Crets. With the lone dissenting vote, Mayor David Ring said the Town should spare at most $20,000 on a tight budget. The Loomis reserves stand at $567,132, said Town Manager Wes Heathcock. "To me, $50,000 is a large chunk of what our reserves are," said Ring, noting deteriorating roads that need attention. Councilmember Amanda Cortez voted in favor with an unofficial condition – that Del Oro players promise to urge classmates to please stop spray-painting the Taylor Road intersection upon graduation. The senior ritual cost $15,000 to $25,000 to repair this year, authorities said. "We have to spend money on fixing that, and it's not a good look for our Town. We're better than that," said Cortez. Frank said the courts also provide a significant economic benefit to Loomis, with tournaments and other events that can be held on the flattop. "In six years of using the tennis courts, our family has spent at least $10,000 in the Town. And that's just one family. Multiply that by 20-30 families, and you already recoup your investment," said Frank.