A fourth change order proposed for the Aurora Park Tennis court project in Newton would push the cost of additional work to over $225,000 beyond the contracted amount. In early June, the Newton City Council accepted two bids totaling just over $1 million dollars to completely renovate the tennis courts at Aurora Park. Since then, change orders totaling $167,364 have been approved. Another $60,568 change order is proposed for additional asphalt work. Newton Mayor Evelyn George says the project is costly but long overdue. She adds that the school district made a sizable financial contribution to improving the tennis courts, which could lead to Newton hosting regional events.

“Both the varsity and jv tennis teams can compete in the same location. In the past, they have been split between Maytag Park and Aurora Park. And the coaches have told us with eight courts in one location, they can hold more events there.”

Minturn Incorporated of Brooklyn, Iowa submitted the low bid of $667,683 on the renovation of the current courts and the creation of two more. A new lighting system will be installed by Kline Electric of Des Moines for $346,146.