Berkeley High has 2 tennis teams which together account for 50 athletes each academic year. Until 2001, we had our own courts on Milvia across from the high school, but then they were paved over for a teacher parking lot. We were told this change was temporary and that the courts would be promptly reinstated —yet, it's been 24 years and we still don't have a place to call home. As of now, we are the sole high school team in the East Bay without home courts.

For the past several years, we've been able to rent courts from Cal, but now, those courts are being torn down. Subsequently, the upcoming 2025-26 season is clouded with uncertainty. Our Athletic Director is working tirelessly trying to find an immediate solution next year but it's clear — we need a permanent fix.

We, a mix of current, future and past players, coaches, families, supporters, fellow BHS athletes, and our larger community, are asking the Berkeley School Board to commit and restore the Milvia courts as soon as possible.

Best for Student Athletes

• Give time back to students: Restore 30+ minutes daily lost to offsite commutes that can instead be used for homework, rest, and family time—critical for academic-athletic balance.
• Reduce commute risks: Protect athletes from travel across town during busy traffic hours.
• Ensure equitable access: Make the program available to students without reliable transportation to distant courts.

Best for Team

• Build a unified, competitive program: Centralized courts foster team cohesion.
• Retain great coaches: Eliminate burnout from managing scattered logistics and divided supervision.
• Increase game attendance: Enable spontaneous spectators from passing students.
• Expand program: Make it easier to develop a JV program and turn away fewer players who try out for the team.

Best for BHS 

• United Athletic Community: Avoid displacing softball/baseball teams, as some of the other solutions would.
• Campus Integration: Make tennis visible to passing students vs hiding our athletes offsite.
• More sports options: Will be able to offer tennis during PE classes.

Best for the Community

• Boost local businesses: Replace idle cars with families and players supporting nearby shops.
• Courts build community: Active tennis courts deter crime and build community connections, as seen in NYC, Paris, Philly, and many other urban downtowns that added courts.
• Enhance bike safety: Increase safety of Milvia bike corridor by reducing parking lot traffic.

Cheapest and Fastest Solution

• Leverage existing infrastructure: Resurface paved lot vs new construction.
• Minimize disruption: Converting the parking lot to courts can happen quickly, with minimal impact on campus/community. It could be finished in time for the 2025/2026 seasons.
• Expand on proven parking strategies: Grow the successful 80+ permit program and partner with downtown garages.

Honor Commitments, Build Legacy

• Fulfill a 24-year promise: Convert “temporary” parking into permanent courts as pledged in 2001.
• Deliver on Measure G: Use voter-approved funds as intended, avoiding costly delays or diversions.
• Create a lasting community asset: these tennis courts can be used by the school and the community, building on memories and experiences of fun, growth, and connection--that only get richer over time.

Please, lend us your support and your voice by signing the petition below.