The Sargent Park Tennis Courts, which have been operated by George Kylar for the past decade, will not have their lease renewed by the Property and Development committee. Kylar aimed to provide a balance for tennis players in the city by making the courts accessible to the public for a fee of $10 with a cap of $150, allowing free access for anyone under the age of 18. However, a community group led by Jerry Laforteza felt that the courts were not accessible at all times, prompting them to petition the City for full public access to the courts 24 hours a day.
The decision to not renew Kylar’s lease was passed unanimously by the City, with the courts now open to the public at all times. Winnipeg city councillor Evan Duncan, who sits on the Property and Development committee, expressed understanding for Kylar’s concerns regarding ongoing maintenance of the courts. However, Duncan emphasized the importance of listening to all constituents and stated that a community association is willing to take on the stewardship of the courts in an unofficial capacity.
Duncan assured other operators of city-owned recreation facilities that the situation with the Sargent Park Tennis Courts is unique and that the City is not looking to take over other privately managed facilities. He mentioned that the city can always reevaluate the condition and maintenance of the Sargent Park Tennis Courts in the future to determine if there is a need for a different group to take over operations. Overall, Duncan stressed the importance of considering community feedback and ensuring that recreational facilities are accessible to all residents.
Despite Kylar’s efforts to maintain the courts and provide a balance for tennis players in the city, the decision to not renew his lease was made in order to ensure full public access to the Sargent Park Tennis Courts. The community group led by Laforteza felt that the gates being locked at certain times prevented some residents from using the courts. Moving forward, the City will be monitoring the condition and maintenance of the courts to ensure that they continue to be accessible to the public.
The reassurances provided by Duncan to other operators of city-owned recreation facilities highlight the City’s commitment to working with community groups and listening to the needs of residents. The decision to make the Sargent Park Tennis Courts open to the public 24 hours a day reflects the City’s dedication to ensuring that recreational facilities are accessible to all members of the community. This unique situation serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing the needs of operators with the desires of residents for access to public spaces for recreation and community engagement.
