Northam Park’s Tennis Players Protest: At Northam Park, a battle is unfolding over the fate of the tennis courts, and it’s not just about who’s serving or volleying. It’s a clash between two beloved sports, pickleball and tennis, with the community caught in the crossfire.
The Decision and Its Fallout
The city council’s recent decision to overhaul Northam Park’s tennis facility has ignited fierce debate. The plan, approved by a 6-1 vote, involves replacing three of the park’s twelve clay tennis courts with six new pickleball courts. What was meant to be a nod to pickleball’s surging popularity has instead sparked a backlash from local tennis enthusiasts.
Walt Thieman and Nancy Edwards, staunch defenders of the tennis courts, are at the heart of the protest. The duo, long-time fixtures at Northam Park, argue that the council’s plan undermines the tennis community’s needs while inadequately addressing the burgeoning demand for pickleball.
“We’re not anti-pickleball,” Edwards said. “Pickleball and tennis are both great sports. Both deserve to be supported.”
The Tennis Community’s Concerns
The crux of their argument lies in the removal of clay courts. For many, these are not just any courts—they’re the preferred surface for their softer impact on the joints. With tennis players aging, the clay courts offer crucial relief, particularly for older participants whose knees are often battered by the sport. Thieman and Edwards argue that eliminating these courts for pickleball is a shortsighted move that fails to serve the community’s diverse needs.
The petition they’ve launched reflects their frustration. They’ve gathered signatures and voiced their concerns at city council meetings, pleading for a reconsideration of the plan. Their alternative suggestion? Double-line existing hard courts at other locations, a solution they believe would accommodate both sports without sacrificing valuable tennis facilities.
The City Manager’s Perspective
City Manager Steve Schoeny, however, stands by the council’s decision. He argues that integrating pickleball across various parks is a strategic move to ensure accessibility for all residents. “We want to make sure people can walk or bike to recreational activities,” Schoeny explains, emphasizing the city’s commitment to broadening sports offerings.
Yet, Thieman and Edwards challenge the process behind the decision. They argue that the city’s study on pickleball demand was flawed, citing that it didn’t account for full bookings or capture the true demand for tennis. They also worry about parking congestion, as Northam Park’s facilities, including a library and senior center, already strain local parking.
Adding to the intrigue is Schoeny’s personal connection to the project. He’s an avid pickleball player and lives near Northam Park, prompting speculation about his motivations. Schoeny dismisses these claims, asserting that the decision involved many stakeholders and wasn’t driven by personal convenience.
As construction on the pickleball courts progresses, the petitioners find themselves at a crossroads. With the project nearly underway, their efforts to halt the changes have hit a snag. Instead, they are now lobbying the city council to preserve the remaining tennis courts and perhaps even add new clay courts in other parks to balance the scales.
News in Brief: Northam Park’s Tennis Players Protest
At Northam Park, the city council’s decision to replace three of twelve clay tennis courts with six new pickleball courts has sparked intense debate. While the plan, approved 6-1, aims to address the rising popularity of pickleball, local tennis advocates Walt Thieman and Nancy Edwards argue it undermines the tennis community. They highlight the importance of clay courts for older players and suggest doubling lines on existing hard courts instead.
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