It’s always encouraging to see government entities finding ways to cooperate but the cost-sharing proposal by School District 241 with Albert Lea and Riverland College for eight tennis courts also makes sense.

The tennis courts would naturally be open to city residents and college students without charge when the school isn’t using them, benefiting all three groups. Though low on the list of city amenities, a tennis complex is another selling point for our community.

The city has considered what must be done to fix the courts at the Aquatic Center, estimating the cost at $100,000, roughly what the district is asking the city to spend on eight new ones.

The school uses courts at Southwest Middle School and those located near the water park. One could suggest repairing those courts to good playing condition, but the district’s rationale that physical education students would have access if the courts were closer to the school is a compelling one.

The park and recreation board recommended partnering to council members and we agree with the suggestion.

The one discussion we didn’t hear about was that which addressed what would become of the courts at the Aquatic Center and the middle school. It simply isn’t acceptable to let them fall into total disrepair. Not only would they be a blight, but player safety could become a concern.

Perhaps creating new green space or overflow parking would be a better use of the old courts.

The proposed cost-sharing discussion between the college, city and the school district is a positive step and we hope residents recognize that our leaders are trying to find ways to cooperate on projects which benefit so many.