More Tennis Opportunities

To the Editor: Re: â??Tennis Bubble Voted Down (March 25), as a resident of Community Board 8 and a tennis player for many years, it is impossible to locate any affordable courts in the area. The few outdoor courts at New York City public schools are run by private groups that charge very high rates each season and can only be used when school is not in session, including summer school. The courts in Central Park are miles away uptown on the opposite side of town, not easily accessible. Who says that ball fields are a better use of the property? Compare the relatively few open outdoor tennis courts available to the triangles of open ball fields. There are several ball fields by the East River and many more scattered throughout Central Park. The space used by the tennis bubble in colder months could hold several courts and could be used for year round play. Additionally, the tennis bubble would allow many more women to get involved in physical activity; most do not play baseball or softball, though they would likely be willing to try tennis at the right price. I regret the decision of the board [against a year-round tennis concession], but agree that more free or reduced-fee tennis time should be required by the privately run Sutton Place Tennis Club. This space is a city-owned park and I hope more New Yorkers realize that tennis is a sport worth fighting for. Betsy Morrissey Upper East Side Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.