There might be a racket in Ramsey County's Biff Adams ice arena. In fact, there might be thousands.

A nonprofit tennis program is looking to lease the ice arena, at Western and Minnehaha Avenues in St. Paul, and convert it into a four-court indoor tennis facility that can be used year-round.

Commissioners will vote Tuesday on whether to back the proposal.

With the county's blessing, St. Paul Urban Tennis could begin raising the $250,000 needed to retrofit the building. Once the money is there, the county and nonprofit would work out a long-term lease.

Executive Director Marc Miller is hopeful the building could be renovated by fall. "There's quite a bit of interest," he said. "It's a great area for us."

The nonprofit would likely start with a 10-year lease and handle all operating and maintenance costs. The public also would be able to use the courts, and Miller said that would be a big benefit because there aren't many options for indoor tennis in St. Paul. Court fees and lesson revenue would likely cover the nonprofit's costs.

St. Paul Urban Tennis started in 1991 and has served more than 2,000 children over the past few years. The program operates at more than 40 sites around St. Paul. In addition to teaching tennis to children from all backgrounds, the program teaches life skills such as manners, reading and healthful eating. Miller said an indoor facility is needed to expand its offerings throughout the year.

The program had looked at leasing some of the recreation centers the city of St. Paul wanted to close, but none had enough indoor space.

A few months ago, county commissioners discussed the status of the county's ice arenas and the possibility of closing one or more because of new suburban rinks and decreasing demand for the ice.

That's the case with Biff Adams, which lost users as St. Bernard's High School closed; Como High School moved its program to the Coliseum on the State Fairgrounds, and Como youth hockey has merged with Johnson Area youth hockey and operates on the East Side.

Given the lack of customers, the county and tennis program began talking.

"It's a good reuse if they can find the money," said Greg Mack, the county's parks and recreation director.

Chris Havens • 612-673-4148