Tennis Courts in Memorial Park

Hey Maplewood Tennis players: Wondering why the courts in Memorial Park have been in such terrible shape for so long? Well guess what, the Dept of Parks and Rec got funds to completely redo them over a year ago. I have been periodically checking in with them to monitor progress and absolutely nothing has happened to move this forward. This appears to be a low priority for them even though this is Maplewood's primary public park and there are very few courts elsewhere in Maplewood that are in decent condition. Unless people speak up they will continue ignore this commitment, so please take a minute to email P&R Director Keith Knudsen and express your expectation to see these courts upgraded this season. Keith's email is: recdirector@twp.maplewood.nj.us

Thanks!

As a member of a group that uses the courts regularly (min. 3x a week), we have complained often. The more Keith hears from Township citizens, the more likely there will be action. Go for it! The squeaky wheel...

It is appalling how nice the Millburn, Summit and Short Hills courts are...and Maplewood's are way below standard for a community with taxes like ours.

June,

Were the funds allocated specifically for tennis court improvements; or to the Department of Recreation's budget?

Thanks for any help in better understanding the situation.

TomR

Is there any resource for a new resident of Maplewood such as myself to find tennis partners?

Did you try going to anyone on the TC?

Tom, yes the funds were allocated specifically for the Memorial Park tennis courts. This occurred sometime prior to April 12, 2014, which is when I became aware of it.

From: Keith Knudsen [mailto:recdirector@twp.maplewood.nj.us]
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2014 09:47 AM
To: (redacted)
Subject: RE: Memorial Park tennis courts

Yes, I’m sorry. The new nets are not going to be installed at this time because we received the funds needed to renovate the tennis courts this year. This includes resurfacing, color coating, and installation of new hardware with the new nets.

In the meantime, I will see if we can have someone repair the nets that are currently there.

Sincerely,

Keith Knudsen, CPRP, CPO
Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Township of Maplewood
574 Valley Street,
Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 763-4202 (Phone)
(973) 762-1934 (Fax)

the last couple of winters have not been kind to the surfaces I am sure...so any cracks or other such problems only become compounded by the elements. That said, many years ago, the Rec Advisory Committee suggested the town put in gates that would prevent people from bringing in bikes and such. Nice flat surfaces that may be great for teaching a kid to ride a bike or skateboard don't stay nice surfaces for long when they are used for things other than what they are intended for.

CC the Township Committee members on any emails to the Rec Dept. India Larrier is the principal TC member that oversees Recreation.

June said:
Tom, yes the funds were allocated specifically for the Memorial Park tennis courts. This occurred sometime prior to April 12, 2014, which is when I became aware of it.

This...

"The new nets are not going to be installed at this time because we received the funds needed to renovate the tennis courts this year."

...makes no sense at all. Unless he meant to say that they did NOT receive the funds (which is what it sounds like to me).

hankzona said:
the last couple of winters have not been kind to the surfaces I am sure...so any cracks or other such problems only become compounded by the elements. That said, many years ago, the Rec Advisory Committee suggested the town put in gates that would prevent people from bringing in bikes and such. Nice flat surfaces that may be great for teaching a kid to ride a bike or skateboard don't stay nice surfaces for long when they are used for things other than what they are intended for.

And definitely this.

ctrzaska said:

This...
"The new nets are not going to be installed at this time because we received the funds needed to renovate the tennis courts this year."
...makes no sense at all. Unless he meant to say that they did NOT receive the funds (which is what it sounds like to me).

Ctrzaska, in this email Keith was saying that there was no point in immediately replacing just the nets, because they were going to redo the courts completely. They had already received funds dedicated for this purpose. No point debating this. Just ask him.

Not interested in debate, it just didn't make a lot of sense. In looking again, I can see it as you've posted.

None of the repairs at parks are being done in a timely fashion ...and responses to the Dept are as convoluted as this one is .

Example ..playground sets were removed from DeHart when they were in good condition except for the swings themselves .

It was done/ being done during the start of summer, impacting camps and summer fun. Question to the Dept was why the equipment was not donated to a neighboring town or another park ...answer was ask in advance and it may be donated ...and that the equipment was in poor shape ...(.not so at all.)He went on to say that a deal was made with the construction company ...deal? What deal?

Orchard Park on DeHart took months to complete ...and the tennis courts there are still being used as a doggie run ... Folks use it and no one does a thing to stop it ...after it was repaved two years ago.

Just seems that many of the repairs are not being done in a timely fashion or being used as they were intended , with neighboring residents determining how the park will be used

Regarding Orchard tennis courts: There is a dropoff between the asphalt and the fence. If anyone falls in they are breaking a leg. Town knew about it four years ago.

Another reason the courts are in bad shape is that the YMCA uses the Memorial courts as their private playground. The courts at Maplecrest Park are in worst shape too. Fact, for some mysterious reason, the Rec Dept does not give a crap about the tennis courts. And delegates more and more to the YMCA.

If you had the sweet deal that the Y has for rental of the Civic House ...$1200 monthly including all utilities , you would perceive the whole park as your own playground