Last Tuesday morning, as the winds built up, the recreation department closed the village's indoor tennis bubble at Community Park, preventing any injuries from occurring as the bubble suddenly deflated at approximately 10:30 a.m.

The severe wind, which produced squall-like gusts, contributed to the failure of the air seal at the foundation of the bubble. This seal failure, combined with the high wind gusts, allowed the bubble to move violently from side to side. This movement caused a restraining cable to snap, allowing the air lock door to be lifted off the ground. As the door lifted off the ground, the air pressure which supports the bubble was released and the bubble deflated and fell to the ground. As the fabric came down, it was torn in several places by the poles which support the court dividers and nets. There was some damage to the interior liner, and several of the overhead lights sustained broken bulbs and bent reflectors.

Normally on a Tuesday morning there would have been people in the bubble playing tennis already, but according to Recreation Commissioner Paul Blake, when the wind started whipping up, they became concerned. "In high wind situations, when we see the lights swinging a little bit, as a matter of routine we close the facility and so we had already closed it and we were just standing by [when the damage occurred]."

The bubble did sustain substantial tears so it is not possible for it to be re-inflated in its current condition. Because it cannot currently be re-inflated, all Contract-Time, Lessons, and Leagues have been temporarily suspended. Because the indoor tennis season is somewhat short, the recreation department is planning to have the repairs done on an expedited basis, with an eye towards resuming full operation as soon as possible. The recreation department appreciates everyone's understanding and cooperation as they work to correct this unusual situation and they look forward to again providing residents with indoor tennis opportunities as soon as possible. A crew looked at the bubble on Monday and Blake hoped the repair would be able to begin immediately. Once the rips are repaired, according to Blake, the bubble has to be re-inflated and the entire interior inspected to make sure there are no hidden damages. When asked when the bubble may be re-opened Blake noted, "Unfortunately, it is kind of a wait-and-see situation."

For additional information on the bubble, residents may call the recreation department office at 465-4075 or the community tennis center at 483-2525.