Peekskill Racquet Association asks council to formalize MOU to expand tennis programs

City Manager Matt Alexander introduced a request from Jonathan Zamora and Alex Smith of the Peekskill Racquet Association to formalize a memorandum of understanding for 2026 that would expand city-run tennis programming.

Alex Smith, the association's president, described the group as a USTA-affiliated 501(c)(3) focused on lowering barriers to tennis and expanding access. "So our point really is that this is a sport that anyone can play, that everyone should have the access to play," Smith said. He said the organization now runs lessons for children and adults, organizes social doubles play and has reached what he described as year-round programming at Woodside in coordination with the school district.

Jonathan Zamora told the council the association's involvement correlated with rising participation: he cited 53 resident participants in an earlier year, a modest rise to 55 during a hybrid 2024, and a jump to 132 residents in 2025 after the association began operating programs. Zamora formally asked the council to bring back a resolution tied to the association's role in 2026 so the MOU can be finalized.

Council members asked about facility conditions. Zamora said city courts need attention and that court renovation is part of a phase-two plan for DePuy Park; staff will coordinate maintenance and a spring checklist. The association said its goals include advocating for better facilities and helping Peekskill High School eventually field a tennis team.

The council did not take a final vote on the MOU during the session; staff indicated a resolution would be drafted for a future meeting.