SANTA YNEZ, CA – To help promote outdoor recreation for students and the community, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation evenly split the cost of a $76,730 project to renovate Santa Ynez Elementary School’s tennis and pickleball court.
The tennis courts were initially installed by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation in the 1980s, and after many years of quality use, had become worn and underutilized. Maurene Donner, Superintendent for College School District, which oversees Santa Ynez Elementary School, saw an opportunity to refresh the space and make it more versatile, with the aim of enhancing their physical education program and sharing the courts with the community.
While exploring avenues for funding, Donner applied for a grant through Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, which partnered with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to make the project happen.
“This is a project that benefits the entire community, not only the students who attend Santa Ynez Elementary School,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We are proud to partner with Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation on this renovation and to contribute to the physical wellness of the community.”
The existing tennis courts at Santa Ynez Elementary School were in poor condition, had not been resurfaced in many years and had become a potential safety hazard. With the growing popularity of pickleball, Donner aimed to create a space that would better serve their students and the interests of members of the local community.
“This project reflects our commitment to enhancing student wellness, physical activity, fun and community partnerships,” said Donner. “We are excited to see our students, families and neighbors enjoying the courts together.”
