LARNED — The tennis courts repair work at Doerr-Vernon Park is simply hard work.
The volunteers chisel out sections of old concrete in tight cracks with hammer drills and chisels. Cleaning up the dusty debris requires patience and a heavy-duty pair of gloves. 
The holes will be repaired with a Portland Cement patching grout that will provide an even playing surface. The tennis court repair is a side project associated with the Splash Pad renovation project at Doerr-Vernon Park.
Pete Schartz, senior vice president at First State Bank & Trust, is a group leader who grew up on a farm and gained experience helping his father-in-law Robert Epp at Epp Construction in Pratt.
“It’s a job that’s very labor-intensive where you can’t be afraid to get into some dirt and dust,” he said. “These volunteers are amazing. They are doing the required hard work to get the job done.”  
A work crew from Larned High School started the repair work last week, albeit without power drills.
“Considering they didn’t have much equipment, it was amazing what a good job the students did,” Schartz said. “We are able to go much faster and they couldn’t do the work to the extent we can.”
Angie Murray, a Pride coordinator, was part of the tennis court crew.
Other group leaders have told Murray they thought the tennis court crew had the most precise and demanding job to finish at Doerr-Vernon Park.  
“I think everyone believes we have the hardest job,” she said.
Haynes Electric and Schaller Construction donated the hammer drills, chisels and gloves.
One volunteer knew the critical first question.
“Do you have a pair of gloves,” she asked.
Doerr-Vernon Park is being renovated into a Splash Pad featuring a Fort Larned Frontier theme. Much more work was ecpected to be completed Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting.
The public is invited to help with Extreme Makeover, The Playground Edition Sunday. Larned Chamber Ambassadors assisted with the project Saturday and Sunday.
Meals have been provided from area churches and free day-care has also been offered. The work schedule is 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Murray said Ed and Donna Meyer of Meyer Deli donated cinnamon rolls and Rod and Brenda Johnson of Pawnee Sanitation will purchase pizza Sunday night.
“Everyone is pulling together and we’re awfully pleased with what is happening,” Murray said.