MSU President's Newspaper Column
July 20, 2024
Teamwork makes the dream work!
As we are very much focused on the exciting renovation and remodel projects currently underway on campus, it’s important to acknowledge another space on the Mayville State campus that has been transformed in the last year or so. That space was formerly the home to Mayville State’s tennis courts and it had become very run-down. It has now been completely updated to include pickleball courts, a tennis court, basketball courts, and an area for playing cornhole.
Now known as “Cometville Park,” the facility is open for the enjoyment of all, and to say that the place is a welcome addition to the campus and community is an understatement. Students absolutely could not wait to get out there to play just as soon as the renovation was completed, and the excitement has not faded. One can see people having a fun time and exercising nearly every evening and at other times during the day.
Cometville Park was the brainchild of Mayville native and current community member Lute Simley. Lute has played an instrumental role in helping to make many aesthetic improvements around the community, including at Mayville State, the Mayville Golf Course, and Rainbow Garden. We appreciate him and all the work he has done to make our community better.
Lute recognized that the former tennis court area was rundown and in need of help. He also knew about the popularity of pickleball and how other communities have provided facilities where residents can enjoy the ever-growing sport. He knew that some of our own community members travel out of town to play pickleball and that a facility in Mayville would be well-used and valued. He went to work on a design and the rest is history.
The end result is a beautiful new facility that was made possible through a partnership between the Mayville Park District and Mayville State University, along with financial assistance from Jon and Betsy Ewen, Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, May-Port Economic Development Corporation, and Traill County Economic Development Commission.
In a win-win collaboration, Mayville State has leased the former tennis courts area of campus to the Mayville Park District through June of 2038. The park board is responsible for daily maintenance and upkeep of the facility, and Mayville State is taking care of mowing.
Cometville Park is available for enjoyment, but also for use as a learning opportunity for Mayville State students. Physical Education courses may be taught at the facility, as long as reservation arrangements are made with the park board in advance.
We are extremely grateful to the Mayville Park District and its board members, including board president Jennifer Kohls, as well as those individuals and entities who have helped financially. Because of their efforts and generosity, this wonderful addition to the campus and community has become a reality.
Our gratitude also extends to Lute Simley, who has invested his knowledge, expertise, creativity, and vision to a project that benefits others, another example of the personal service that is a way of life for Lute. Even though he is not a Mayville State alumnus, he grew up with and close to many members of the Mayville State family. Like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, personal service by just one person ripples out to others and the good works collectively make the world a better place.
Please stop by and check out Cometville Park, located on the east side of the Mayville State campus along Stan Dakken Drive. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. The venue also provides the opportunity to get to know other members of the campus and community. Our students love to interact with community members and often cite the community as a reason for their happiness at Mayville State. The collaborative effort known as “Cometville Park” is one more reason why it’s always a great day to be a Comet!
