Tennis and pickleball groups press for more courts; BTA cites environmental cost of lost local facilities

Local racket‑sport advocates urged the board to accelerate court replacement and to consider environmental and community impacts when demolishing or converting tennis courts to other uses.

Don Bergl, president of the Boulder Tennis Association, presented an analysis he said showed the Austin Scott tournament—moved to Longmont after local courts were demolished—generated "over 1,100 individual car trips" and nearly 18,000 miles of driving in one week, a result he said runs counter to the city's objectives on carbon reductions and 15‑minute neighborhoods.

Players and volunteers representing tennis leagues and BOCO Pickleball described lost indoor public courts and the growing demand for open‑play hours. One participant said the community has "lost 15 courts at RMTC" and lamented the loss of indoor public access for winter play. Staff said the Tom Watson courts are under construction and scheduled for completion in November; short‑term resealing at South Boulder Rec will occur in August as an interim measure.

Allie Rhodes (director) told the board staff is monitoring demand and expects Tom Watson to relieve pressure; she noted limited sites in the park system where courts can be added and that East Boulder Community Park is under design for a court project subject to public review. Board members asked staff to track usage changes once Tom Watson opens and to report back on opportunities to reduce travel‑related emissions by accelerating local court capacity.

No formal motion was taken Wednesday on court siting or funding; staff and community groups agreed to continue coordination.