The city of Laurel has received a grant for nearly a half million dollars that is expected to bring one of the city’s tennis courts up to tournament regulations.
Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee said the city has received a grant for $450,000 from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the project. The mayor announced that the city recently received the grant, which will be used at Daphne Park to redo the tennis courts.
“We will redo the entire courts,” Magee said. “We plan to replace the asphalt with concrete. We will be installing concession stands and making sure that they are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.”
Magee said the courts, which are currently covered in asphalt, do not meet tournament regulations.
“We hope to redo the tennis courts and make them tournament ready,” the mayor said. “We also hope to make those courts the home tennis court for Laurel High School.”
City Council President Tony Thaxton praised Magee working to help the city obtain the grant to “make improvements in the City of Laurel.” Magee said work at Daphne Park is expected to begin soon. City officials also talked about other city projects, including a skate park and cross walks. The mayor said these projects are being worked on at this time. Magee said the skate park project is expected to be put out for bids during the month of August.