Village officials are confident the new tennis structure at Community Park will open on schedule Oct. 7. With the return of last year's tennis court contract holders quickly approaching 90 percent, Mayor Robert Lewis encourages anyone interested in applying for court time for the upcoming season to call the village's Recreation Department at 465-4075.

The former tennis bubble was severely damaged during a windstorm last December. Through an $850,000 bond, the village board, in conjunction with the Recreation Commission and a subcommittee of tennis players, opted to completely tear down the former tennis bubble to make way for a new, sturdier structure.

With a 15-20 year life span, Village Clerk Brian Ridgway said the new structure, along with its regular court time and tennis camps, will "really bring back the life of this facility." Workers raised the structure earlier this month; only interior renovations remain, including the installation of eight aerodynamically contoured ceiling fans, 48 1,000- watt lighting units, courtside benches, court divider netting and roof air exchangers. Retractable curtain wall units will also provide constant airflow while playing.