Akron committee fast‑tracks Prentice Park basketball‑court resurfacing; motion passes 4–1

The Parks and Recreation Committee advanced an ordinance authorizing the director of public service to contract for resurfacing and reconfiguring the basketball courts at Prentice Park, declaring an emergency to allow expedited contracting.

Committee presenters said the project will reconfigure an existing multiuse area to create two full-sized basketball courts by resurfacing approximately half of the current tennis court, replacing fencing and installing new hoops. Staff described the work as addressing deferred maintenance on a court referred to in the discussion as an older, well‑used ‘‘LeBron James’’ court with peeling surfacing.

Council members asked whether the item would go out for bids or proceed directly; staff said they expected to move forward with the project and will inform members if the procurement approach changes. One councilmember noted the tennis‑court area is being converted to a skate park and described the partial conversion as manageable for the site plan.

Members voted to suspend the rules to consider the item immediately and subsequently asked for a roll call to confirm the outcome. The clerk recorded the final vote as 4–1 in favor (Connor, Lombardo, Davis and Boyse Aye; Anna No). The motion to advance the ordinance passed.

Because the legislation declared an emergency, staff said work could move forward once contracts are awarded; staff also noted fencing around other tennis facilities will remain in place. No contractor names or award amounts were presented at the committee hearing.