We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Miami Springs, hereby come together to express our deep concern regarding the management and operation of the City of Miami Springs' tennis facility and programs located at 401 Westward Drive.  As dedicated patrons of this cherished community asset, we believe that the introduction of third-party for profit companies threatens the very essence of what the facility represents. 

Background:

In the proposed 2023-2024 budget, page 135 highlights the tennis program's core objective: "to maintain the tennis facility with positive images for all residents of Miami Springs." This declaration embodies the spirit of community engagement, health, and positive growth that the tennis facility has symbolized for decades. However, recent developments have raised alarming questions about the facility's future under third-party for-profit management.

Our Concerns:

Erosion of Community Bonds: For over five decades, the tennis facility has served as a place where neighbors come together, foster friendships, and strengthen the communal fabric.  The involvement of for-profit entities threatens to dismantle this sense of unity, replacing it with commercial interests.

Exclusion of Long-Term players: It is disheartening to observe that individuals who have faithfully utilized these tennis courts for half a century are suddenly deprived of access due to the profit-driven agenda of a third party company. Such actions directly contradict the facility's stated goal of maintaining a positive image for all residents.

Our request:

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition Miami Springs Mayor Maria Mitchell and Miami Springs City Council members Jorge Santon, Jacky Bravo, Walt Fajet, and Vic Vasquez, to enact the following measures:

Ban for-profit Companies: We call for a definitive ban on third-party for-profit companies from managing and operating the City of Miami Springs' tennis facility and programs at 401 Westward Drive. This step is crucial to safeguard the historical, communal, and accessible nature of the facility. 

Uphold Community-Centric Values: We urge the Mayor and City Council members to prioritize the community's values, interests, and well-being over commercial gains. It is essential to remember that the facility's legacy lies in its ability to bring people together and enhance their quality of Life.