Ribbon Cutting on New Courts

Dozens of Tower Lakes residents attended a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 11 to celebrate the opening of the new tennis courts. Mary Magro, who was instrumental in the fund-raising effort, spoke and thanked integral members who kept the project on task: Pat Covek, Kathy Covek, Bob Covek, Jack Johnson, Judd Lautenschlager, Victor Mannina, Bob Nash and Randy Young. In the end, however, it was “the community that made the new tennis courts possible,” said Mary.

Not all residents happy with court color

Several Tower Lakes residents who live adjacent to the new tennis courts attended the June TLIA Board meeting to express their dismay with the color choice made by the Tennis Committee. They contended the bright blue hue that was chosen for the perimeter of the courts was too vivid for their tastes and doesn’t fit into the natural environment of the community. They also contend that it devalues their property. While all were in favor of new courts, many who attended the meeting believed they were blindsided in connection with the aesthetics of the courts. “While I applaud the effort in getting new tennis courts, they have become an eyesore. It’s strikingly shocking. The bright blue border is too much,” said one resident.  In support of their argument, the residents secured over 74 signatures in a petition they presented to the board.

TLIA President Randy Young set the parameters for the discussion, allowing everyone an opportunity to be heard.  Members in opposition of the color were allowed a twenty minute time period in which to present their objections. Each member who spoke during the discussion was allowed two minutes to comment. Resident and Tennis Committee member Kathy Covek stated, “We had a number of swatches to choose from and picked blue on blue because it is the most popular color on the tennis circuit today.” Resident Jack Johnson added, “Blue is actually a tranquil color.” Other tennis players remarked on the contrast the color provides between ball and court.

In addition to the frustration with the color, the residents felt communication was poor throughout the entire process. “We received one phone call the night before construction was to begin,” said one member.  Resident Cassandra Young countered, “I think it’s important to get involved in the process and to be proactive instead of reactive.” President Young also reminded the residents that between November 2015 (when the project was approved by the general membership) and May 2016, “there was no lack of outreach to the community. Everyone had ample opportunity to join the committee, make their voices heard, and contribute ideas.”

In the end, the residents are demanding, through their petition, that the tennis courts be repainted. Board member Mary Magro stated it would cost an additional $3,500. She also indicated that repainting at the current time would disrupt the tennis lessons and planned activities that are currently on the events schedule. She said “it would make the courts unusable for quite some time.” The residents didn’t object to repainting in the fall.

The TLIA Board then moved the issue to a “committee of the whole” where they discussed several items including the costs associated with the issue, the complaints, and potential solutions. The Board may have an opportunity to vote on recommendations at the July 11 meeting.

 Click Here to read members petition