USTA Pacific Northwest proposes bubbled indoor tennis center at Camas High under 2-to-1 funding plan

The United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest Section told the Camas School District board on May 13 it is prepared to build and operate an indoor "bubble" over the high schools eight outdoor courts under a partnership that USTA said would include a 2-to-1 capital investment ratio and long-term operational support.

"As I mentioned, we're the United States Tennis Association, Pacific Northwest Section," Matthew Warren, USTA PNW Executive Director, said as he introduced the organization and its regional goals for improving year-round access to tennis. USTA presenters said their PNW board had voted unanimously to support and fund the project.

The proposal would resurface the eight courts with NovaPlay (the surface USTA cited as used at US Open facilities), erect an insulated inflatable dome with skylights and US Open-style lighting, and add a small support building for check-in, bathrooms and a pro shop. Pat Reeves, who oversees USTA facilities, described dome features that include wind and snow sensors, HVAC controls and a concrete foundation that USTA said it would fund.

District staff reiterated that the construction cost the district would record would come from the capital projects fund, not the general operations fund. "This is funding out of the capital projects fund," a district staff member said, noting the district operates multiple funds and that operational costs, USTA said, would be borne by the organization going forward.

USTA described a community-hub model that keeps Camas High School at the center while opening the facility to the public. USTA said it plans a membership-plus-pay-to-play model (an annual membership of about $100 plus per-use fees), but that need-based scholarships and school PE and after-school access would be provided so price is not a barrier. "We want to truly serve the entire community with this," Matthew Warren said.

Board members and attendees raised operational questions about parking, traffic flow, safety near the varsity softball field, bathroom configuration and whether the courts would be used for other sports such as pickleball. USTA said it intends to keep the facility tennis-specific and that parking and site layout options under study would address drop-off, parking location and measures to avoid exposure to foul balls. On bathrooms, district staff said the planned building would include two nonspecific bathrooms with space for changing as needed.

On maintenance, USTA said resurfacing and recurring court maintenance would be part of its investment and long-term plan: "It's our plan... to resurface courts every seven to ten years," a USTA presenter said. District representatives described preliminary due diligence that included title/legal reviews and utility-survey work; staff said surveyors were ready to locate connections for water, sewer and power.

What happens next: district staff said they had discussed permit and conditional-use steps with the city and that, if the board is agreeable, the district would bring a draft contract and agreement for board consideration at the next regular meeting. USTA told the board it is prepared to proceed from its side and that its PNW board has already voted to support the funding. The board did not take a formal district vote on May 13.

Authorities and actions reported in the meeting: USTA PNWs Board of Directors voted unanimously to support and fund the project (reported by presenters); the district indicated it could present a draft contract for board consideration at the next meeting.