Thank you for signing this petition in support of fiscal responsibility, public education, and the preservation of Rock Creek Park.

Questions remain regarding the proposed $9 million appropriation for Rock Creek Tennis Center. Earlier communications indicated that the funding was contingent upon a transfer of jurisdiction and would not move forward because negotiations had stalled. However, the $9 million remains budgeted for the project in FY27.

This means the District continues to reserve $9 million in taxpayer funds for a project associated with a privately operated professional tennis tournament that restricts public access to portions of Rock Creek Park for weeks each year.

In addition, documents obtained through public records requests indicate that the National Park Service questioned key claims used to justify the project and recommended consideration of alternatives.

Important questions remain: Why does the $9 million remain in the budget? What alternatives were evaluated before public funds were committed to this site? Were alternative locations considered? And why are scarce taxpayer resources being reserved for this project while other public priorities remain unmet?

Please continue sharing this petition with neighbors, friends, and other concerned residents. Public engagement remains essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Thank you for your continued support.