» Central Park Tennis Court Proposal Brings the Bells and Whistles

Central Park Tennis Court Proposal Brings the Bells and Whistles

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

central-park-tennis-courts DNAinfo reports that a proposal being considered by the NYC Parks Department for the Central Park Tennis Courts (mid-park, near 95th) would be a big upgrade to the courts, but might leave the not-so-wealthy in the dust, as many in the community point out. The proposal includes a climate-controlled bubble over the 26 tennis courts in winter months, as well as a golf cart service that will shuttle tennis players from Fifth Avenue and Central Park West to the courts. While this will bring more possible court time for players, the proposed fees of up to $100 per hour are leaving many upset that the courts would only be for the well-heeled. Upper West Siders, park advocates, and some in Community Board 7 have objected to the proposal, saying it is “an elitist idea that milks money of a public space and they’ve been kept in the dark about.” They complain that there has not been a large public process regarding the proposed plans and that public debate only began after a single operator for the courts was determined. While it remains uncertain whether the proposal will actually be carried out, keep checking My Upper West for updates as they come out.