By Jared Engeset, Alexandria (File photo)
To the editor:
Tennis has been a huge part of my family and upbringing since I was 10 years old. Even when my wife and I were looking into neighborhoods where we could buy a house, having a tennis court within walking distance was a huge selling point for us.
When we moved to a lovely neighborhood in North Old Town, we couldn’t be happier that the local Powhatan Park had a tennis court within a short walking distance. The court is used fairly regularly by residents, and I’ve even seen a few families teaching the game to their children.
Unfortunately, we recently learned of the city’s proposed plans to remove the tennis court and install outdoor adult fitness equipment in its place.
After doing some research into the city’s plans, we were even more troubled to learn that during a survey last fall, 89 percent of respondents indicated they wanted the court preserved or repaired. Despite the survey results, the removal of the court is still a part of the future planning for Powhatan Park.
Fortunately, there is still time to save the court located at Powhatan Park as the city is accepting new feedback on their plans until the end of June. If you want to help us save this tennis court, please visit www.saveourtenniscourt.com and take one or more of the following actions:
• Sign our petition.
• Complete the city’s survey and indicate you “don’t like” the removal of the tennis court at
Powhatan Park.
• Contact our local officials and voice your concerns over the court’s removal.
• Send an email to alexandrialovestennis@gmail.com. to find out how you can get involved.
It may not be the nicest court or in the best condition, but it’s our court, and many residents, including myself and my family, regularly utilize it. Why tear up a benefit that already exists and is being utilized by local residents? We are hopeful the city will listen, and that the next version of the Powhatan Park plan will include keeping the tennis court so that residents can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
