Anyone up for some tennis?

Recently, Harvey Richman, local attorney, petitioned the Idaho State Parks Department for the purpose of donating the funds necessary to build tennis courts in Farragut State Park.

After discussing the issues, coordinating with the park manager, Randall Butt, as to proper locations, further discussions with upper management ensued. In addition to Butt, IDPR North Region Manager David White was contacted. The offer entailed a grant of $50,000 from local private contributors. A further meeting was held in May, with Dean Sangrey, division administrator. According to Richman, the locale he scouted with Butt was adjacent to existing parking and restrooms, leaving no apparent objection.

This offer was declined because the parks department felt it was an incompatible use. In a letter to Richman, Sangrey went on to say, “I support the staff’s recommendation that the proposal to build a tennis court is better suited for development within the local communities.” He went on to say, “I will suggest that you work with the local developers, the Kootenai County Parks and Waterways Department, or the Bayview Community Groups.”

Richman, Attorney for Citizens Against Range Expansion was the lead attorney who battled (and won) against the Idaho Fish & Game Department when they tried to upgrade the old World War II rifle pits leftover from Farragut Naval Basic Training. The original plan was to rework the property into a world-class competition range, complete with skeet and trap. Locals rebelled, leading to the successful lawsuit.