By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A newly formed committee is looking to hold fundraisers and collect donations that will be used to finance the purchase of new Lynnfield High School tennis courts.
The School Committee formed the Tennis Fundraising Committee last spring for the purpose of overseeing community fundraisers that will raise money for replacing the high school’s dilapidated tennis courts. The new committee includes School Committeeman Jamie Hayman and Select Board Chairman Phil Crawford helping oversee the fundraising initiatives.
Lynnfield High’s varsity tennis teams are unable to play matches at the tennis courts because they are cracked and damaged. The last time the courts were refinished was 1991. Both varsity teams have been playing matches at Lynnfield Middle School’s tennis courts during the spring sports season.
“Both varsity tennis teams have been incredibly successful over the last 40 years,” said Jamie. “The girls’ tennis team has won five state championships, the most recent being in 2014. The girls’ tennis team has also won 14 North sectional titles and 18 Cape Ann League championships. The boys’ tennis team has made the state tournament seven out of the last eight years, and has won four straight CAL championships. The boys’ tennis team advanced to the Division 3 North finals in 2018 and 2021, and the Division 4 state finals in 2022.”
Phil and Jamie recently met with Town Administrator Rob Dolan, DPW Director John Tomasz, Planning and Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori and Capital Projects Manager John Scenna to discuss the LHS tennis courts fundraiser. Phil recalled that the Conservation Commission approved the engineering plan for the new LHS tennis courts as part of the fields’ project four years ago.
“We can use the plans to get bids to find out what it is going to cost,” said Phil.
Jamie said the approved plans will allow a fifth court to be built.
“Based on surrounding communities, John Tomasz is estimating it will be about $300,000,” said Jamie. “It’s $60,000 per court.”
Jamie said the approved plans took the Tennis Fundraising Committee from “the first inning to the seventh inning.”
“Once the money is raised, it could turn around pretty quickly,” said Jamie.
Jamie said the stalled economic development bill in the state Legislature currently includes a $50,000 grant for new Lynnfield High tennis courts. He recalled that the 1986 law Chapter 62F, which set a cap on state tax revenue growth and requires the overage to be returned to taxpayers, is currently holding up the bill.
“I talked to House Minority Leader Brad Jones, and he seems to believe the State Legislature will get something done,” said Jamie.
Jamie said the Lynnfield Athletic Association has created a separate account that will allow residents to donate funds for the LHS tennis courts project.
“Checks can be made out to the Lynnfield Athletic Association, and can be directed to the tennis court project,” said Jamie. “The LAA is a 501(c)3, which means donations will be tax deductible. The great thing is LAA has donated $5,500 to get the fundraising started.”
Tennis Fundraising Committee member Christina Hayman, who is Jamie’s wife, said the LAA raises funds for LHS student-athletes by running the snack shack that is adjacent to Pioneer Stadium.
“Most of LAA’s money comes from the snack shack,” said Christina. “If the snack shack does really well, LAA Treasurer Jen Goguen said the LAA could give more. They are happy to support the tennis programs.”
Jamie noted that pickleball has exploded in popularity in town.
“We could get the tennis courts at Lynnfield Middle School lined for pickball,” said Jamie. “The project will have a broader community impact.”
Christina recalled that a number of residents have asked Recreation Director Julie Mallett about pickleball lessons.
Jamie said the Tennis Fundraising Committee is looking to collect donations from benefactors, corporate donors, community members, alumni and students.
“We want students to have some responsibility for raising money for this even if it’s a nominal amount,” said Jamie.
Local Realtor Ellen Crawford, who is Phil’s wife, said new tennis courts are desperately needed at LHS. She volunteered to help get donations from the business community.
“I am a tennis player and we have grandchildren going into elementary school,” said Ellen. “We are very happy to support this project, and we are excited about it moving forward.”
Phil concurred with his wife’s sentiment.
“I have worked on the fields project for the last 15 years,” said Phil. “I want to get this project done.”
Tennis Fundraising Committee member Yousef Asaad said he was willing to help organize a tournament that will raise funds for the project.
“I have been involved in quite a few tournaments,” said Asaad. “The hardest part is finding a place to host the tournament.”
Tennis Fundraising Committee member Colleen Gioioso said she prefers holding a tournament in town as opposed to out of town.
“To me, this is all about our community,” said Gioioso. “Even if the courts aren’t in great condition, it shows why we are fundraising.”
Christina said Rebecca Scenna, who played on the girls’ tennis team when she was attending Lynnfield High, will be helping her track down former members of the Pioneers to see if they are interested in donating to the tennis courts fundraiser.
Phil said the Lynnfield Moms Group has held a number of fundraisers to help finance town projects in the past.
“They raised $25,000 in one night for new playground equipment at Jordan Park,” said Phil. “We might want to run this by them because it’s going to be their children who are going to benefit from it.”
— The State House News Service contributed to this story.
