A resident from Halifax’s north end has started a petition to try and save the tennis courts at Fort Needham Park.
Ian Currie said he wants Halifax Regional Council to reconsider their decision to approve a master plan that would see the tennis courts scrapped from the area.
“I guess I have some difficulty reconciling the plan with what I see every day because a lot of people in the community seem to use the courts on a regular basis,” Currie said.
Currie said his family uses the courts almost every day, along with many others in his north end neighbourhood. He says area limitations can sometimes make it difficult for kids to get outside to play, and the tennis courts offer a nearby alternative.
“It’s just a nice little sports facility. Obviously around here the lots are small, the driveways are small. So it can get people together and it’s just nice to see the kids active.”
Council voted unanimously last fall to accept the plan, with work on the $7.8 million dollar park set to begin later this year. The goal is to have the three-phase face-lift completed in time for the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. The park will include a park plaza near the Memorial Bell Tower, interpretative pathways as well as a sensory garden.
READ MORE: HRM reveals plans for Fort Needham Park upgrades
Currie said while he does like the majority of the plan, it’s a mistake to remove the tennis courts.
“Broadly speaking I have yet to meet anyone here in the community that is really in favour of the plan as it stands,” Currie said. “I realize people are often resistant to change and that’s normal. At the same time, these are the people who live here and use the park on a daily basis.”
The city said the decision to remove the courts was based on feedback from a series of public consultations as well as an online survey. They determined there was no longer a need for the courts at Fort Needham Park, and the space would be better utilized for other recreational elements.
“We do know that there are other tennis facilities located in close proximity to the Fort Needham facility itself, as well as for residents in that surrounding community,” said Tiffany Chase, senior communications adviser with Halifax Regional Municipality.
“There are two courts located at the Highland Junior High facility, there’s also one court located at Merv Sullivan Park, and there are five upgraded courts at the Halifax Common. They’re all within walking distance.”
The city said there is a possibility the tennis courts will be relocated to the Needham Community Centre in the future.
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