Construction To Begin On Once Controversial Pleasanton Tennis Courts

PLEASANTON, CA — The construction of two new tennis courts at the Pleasanton Tennis and Community Park will resume in the next few weeks, city officials said. This week, the city council unanimously voted on the revised plans for the courts.

In August, the council voted to delay the construction of the two tennis courts at the popular park, pending a revised proposal after neighbors protested, abruptly halting the demolition and embarking on a campaign to preserve the large grassy area in the park.

Many residents said they did not know about the section of the park slated to become tennis courts until they saw fencing go up around the grassy area last summer. Residents rallied to protect the park, which already has 10 courts on the property. Neighbors met with city officials on numerous occasions in hopes of reaching an amicable decision about the fate of the new courts.

Handmade posters created by local children continued to multiply on the fences, and residents created a Facebook page to share information and updates about the project with neighbors and the Pleasanton community.

In December of 2016, the city council voted 4 to 1 for the first of three alternate locations offered for the construction of the courts. Officials said the new location of the courts is ideal because it will be farther away from residential housing.

“We’re pleased with the outcome and look forward to being able to offer new tennis courts to this very active community,” said Susan Andrade-Wax, director of community services.

The two new courts were part of the master plan in 1985. In June of 2016, the Pleasanton City Council voted to approve the contract and award $494,353 in the City’s Capital Improvement Program for the project after it held three community workshops and conducted a phone survey.

“An additional appropriation of just under $500,000 will be made from the Park Dedication Fee Fund to fully fund the project,” officials said in a statement.

The Pleasanton Tennis and Community Park is located at 5801 Valley Ave.

Photo courtesy Autumn Johnson/ Patch