Neighbors urge renewed funding for parks; Elmira Park tennis courts cited as example of deferred maintenance

Multiple residents and advisory commission members used the April 24 citizens matters and pulled‑item portion of the work session to press the City Council for continued and expanded parks funding and to describe the poor condition of Elmira Park tennis courts.

Dale McKeel, a member of the Recreation Advisory Commission, read a statement urging continued support for the half‑penny for parks and trails fund, saying the dedicated funding established in 2015 addresses deferred maintenance but that a backlog remains. "Without it, aging infrastructure, trails, and outdated park facilities will continue to deteriorate, impacting the safety and usability of these spaces for Durham residents," McKeel said.

Tennis players and coaches who spoke urged a focused renovation of Elmira Park’s courts. Chris Foster described cracks, weeds and “craters” in court surfaces and highlighted the courts’ long history as a predominantly African‑American tennis hub and their use by league teams. Melvin Tolbert and Mike Gallagher backed those comments and asked that any resurfacing include professional drainage beneath the courts; Gallagher said water ponding beneath the courts is forcing the surface to rise and crack and urged a drainage system be included in the rehabilitation scope.

Council context: Council members voiced appreciation for the public comments. Parks staff earlier had noted that the Durham Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan and the half‑penny for parks and trails fund are under consideration in the upcoming budget process; several speakers from the parks foundation and park board also urged full funding of DPR capital requests.

Ending: Speakers asked council to prioritize maintenance funding and staff to include drainage work in any Elmira Tennis Court rehabilitation scope; staff indicated the comprehensive parks plan and CIP requests will guide budget decisions in the coming weeks.