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Committee presses for standard operating procedures for tennis permits as Jack Russell courts are scheduled for resurfacing
Summary
Committee members urged a formal SOP for tennis teaching permits at Jack Russell Park to clarify maintenance responsibilities and disciplinary steps; staff said resurfacing of all six courts is expected to begin May 15 and courts may be offline about a month.
Members of the Art, Recreation and Culture Committee discussed long‑standing confusion around the permitting and management of teaching professionals at Jack Russell Park and asked staff to develop a standard operating procedure to clarify responsibilities and expected conduct.
A committee member (S6) described problems that have emerged since the program began and urged the committee to “go back and visit this permitting process and put in place some standard operating procedures as well as a list of reasonable expectations for the city employees as well as the tennis professionals that are permitted to follow.” The member added specific concerns about maintenance responsibilities, safety (standing water, debris, heat), whether professionals may move lessons to alternate courts, and the need for a consistent warning and permit‑revocation process.
Staff member (S2) said the city already sent an informational email to tennis players and instructors and will overcommunicate the resurfacing timeline. “So it's anticipated to start May 15 … So the tennis courts will be offline for an entire month,” Staff member (S2) told the committee and said the city will distribute notices to instructors and run a social media campaign.
Chair (S3) and other members asked that the proposed SOP be circulated to staff (via Jordan) so committee members can review and provide specific language at the next meeting; the committee agreed to add the SOP drafting item to the May meeting agenda.
Why it matters: Committee members said unclear expectations have created friction among teaching professionals and between pros and city maintenance staff; a written SOP could clarify safety responsibilities during closures or weather events, define expectations for moving lessons, and set a consistent disciplinary path for permit violations.
What’s next: Staff will accept a draft from the committee member, circulate it through city staff for distribution to the committee, and place a finalized SOP discussion on the May agenda. The resurfacing timeline (starting around May 15) will be communicated to instructors and the public.
