As daylight dwindled outside, the Student Senate debated the possibility of adding new tennis court lighting - and potentially new tennis courts - at Wednesday's meeting.
"Most tennis courts in parks have lights," said Farley senator Carol Hendrickson, who introduced a letter outlining her proposal. "Why doesn't Notre Dame?"
The letter, which was sent back to the Residence Life committee for revision, said the University "does not provide adequate facilities and opportunities for recreational play."
The problem, Hendrickson said, is that the tennis teams usually practice in the afternoon, making it difficult for other students to make use of the courts during daylight hours.
"These [proposed] lights would be equipped with timers - energy efficient and practical," the letter read. "They would dramatically increase available court time and accommodate student schedules."
Although Notre Dame has indoor courts, Hendrickson said the $3 cost to play, along with the requirement of wearing "special shoes," means another solution is necessary.
The letter also proposed "additional recreational tennis court facilities on the west end of campus near existing basketball and volleyball courts."
Hendrickson asked senators for input before her meeting with Assistant Athletics Director for Facilities Michael Danch to discuss the plans.
Keough senator Rob Lindley asked Hendrickson exactly where the proposed new tennis courts would be built.
"I need to talk to [Danch] about the Master Plan of the University ... what they're tearing down, what they're adding," Hendrickson said.
O'Neill senator Steve Tortorello said while he thought adding new courts was a "great cause," he believed it should be kept separate from the issue of installing lighting.
The issue of funding also needs to be considered, Pasquerilla West senator Christina Lee said.
"I know at some public parks, it costs $2 to play half an hour," Lee said. "And then to build two additional courts is a whole new ball game."
The Residence Life committee will revise the letter in order to fix grammatical issues and redefine the group's goals.
