Council approves park name, backs fundraising push to refurbish museum tennis courts

The Eastpointe City Council voted to name the tennis courts and adjacent green space behind the Michigan Military Museum the Jerry Linenger Tennis Courts and Park and directed city administration to explore formally designating the area as a city park and to pursue grant funding for a full court restoration.

The action follows a presentation from Al Truhan and other volunteers representing the United States Tennis Association advocacy group, who described eight years of volunteer maintenance and recent local use by Harper Woods High School and senior groups. Council moved to make the park designation and to ask administration to consider including grant support in upcoming budget discussions.

Council members and Parks Commission members said the formal park name would strengthen applications for grants, including a USTA program that may match up to 50 percent of court restoration costs (capped at $20,000 per court). The presenters described an initial contractor estimate and said work could include resurfacing seven courts, windscreens, and lighting repairs; they said a complete quote from a second vendor was pending.

Interim City Manager Miss Dooms noted city procurement rules: projects over $15,000 require formal solicitation. Councilmember DeMonaco made the motion to name the site and ask administration to pursue making it an official park and to include grant pursuit in the budget process; the motion carried on roll call.

Council members emphasized volunteer contributions and potential community benefits if the courts were fully restored, including youth programming and USTA events.