A significant development in the Camas School District's initiative to construct a year-round, enclosed tennis center at Camas High School was achieved last week. Following approval by a hearings examiner, plans are underway to transform the current outdoor courts into an all-season facility. This project includes enclosing eight existing tennis courts within a 59,800-square-foot structure, alongside additional amenities such as parking, restrooms, and a lobby. The United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest will manage the facility for at least three decades, while also promoting tennis programs among local students and opening the courts to paying members of the public.

Despite opposition arguing potential safety and traffic concerns, along with apprehensions about privatizing public property, Camas Hearings Examiner Joe Turner granted the conditional use permit on April 28. Opponents expressed worries during a public hearing that the new tennis center might reduce the availability of free public courts and create hazards around the high school campus. However, district officials maintain that this partnership will enhance tennis education opportunities for students and ensure more equitable playing conditions, particularly for the girls' tennis team, which often faces scheduling challenges due to weather-related disruptions.

In his final decision, Turner ruled that the planned tennis facility is permissible under specific conditions and clarified that the association's status as a private entity does not influence the city's permitting process. He emphasized that policy decisions regarding partnerships between public and private entities fall outside the scope of land-use proceedings. Furthermore, Turner found no substantial evidence suggesting that private usage of the facility would compromise campus security or increase hazards for students during after-school activities.

Director of Business Services Jasen McEathron expressed satisfaction with Turner’s ruling and anticipates transitioning into the next stages of development. The project promises long-term benefits for student athletes, physical education participants, and the broader community through collaboration with the USTA. Although the examiner's decision may be appealed to Clark County Superior Court, stakeholders remain optimistic about advancing this transformative initiative.

Moving forward, the Camas School District aims to deliver a state-of-the-art tennis center that balances educational value with community access. With $2 million allocated for improvements, the facility stands to elevate both athletic opportunities and recreational offerings in the region. As discussions progress and construction timelines emerge, the vision of an inclusive, year-round tennis hub continues to gain momentum.