The Newton City Council has accepted two bids totaling just over $1 million dollars to completely renovate the tennis courts at Aurora Park. As part of the project, the six current courts will be reconstructed and two new courts will be added. Additionally, the existing lights at the tennis courts will be replaced with a new system that will also include lighting for the four recently added pickleball courts. The Newton High School tennis teams use the public courts at Aurora Park for practice and matches. Newton Mayor Evelyn George says the project is long overdue, and that the school district is helping out financially with the improvements as well.

“The school did increase their contribution to this project as well. They doubled it. So they are committed to this location as well.”

Minturn Incorporated of Brooklyn, Iowa submitted the low bid on the renovation of the current courts and the creation of two more. Their quote of $667,683 was over $180,000 less than the estimate. The new lighting system will be installed by Kline Electric of Des Moines. Their $346,146 bid was below the engineer’s estimate by $125,000.