As an active member of the University of Southern California's tennis and pickleball community, I've had the opportunity to see how important our recreational courts are to campus life at USC. These courts are more than mere sports facilities; they are vibrant social hubs, bustling with activity and camaraderie. Every week, they draw thousands of students who seek not just exercise, but also community, stress relief, and a sense of belonging.

According to the USC Recreational Sports website, “The university is actively investigating options for replacement of these courts in order to continue providing access to recreational tennis and pickleball facilities for the USC community. Further information will be shared in the coming months as details become available on this initiative.”

These courts are consistently packed, a clear indicator of their immense popularity and the high demand among students. They serve as a crucial outlet in our demanding academic environment, helping countless students stay active, manage stress, and find balance. Given this immense demand, we are urging that USC prioritizes the replacement of these tennis and pickleball courts elsewhere on campus by the start of the fall 2024 academic year or with the same urgency as the athletic expansion. This deadline aligns with the academic calendar and the well-being of the student body, ensuring that the benefits of physical activity, stress relief, and community engagement continue uninterrupted.

As students at USC, we recognize the challenges associated with the limited availability of space on our campus. However, we believe that by reimagining and repurposing underutilized areas, we can find innovative solutions to accommodate the needs of our vibrant tennis and pickleball communities. Potential sites for this transformation include The Great Lawn, the basketball courts near the Kaufman School of Dance, among other feasible locations. These areas, currently not serving as central hubs of student activity, present a unique opportunity to enhance campus life by introducing new recreational facilities. By doing so, we can ensure that the spirit of engagement and wellness continues to thrive at USC, benefiting not just our current student body but future generations as well.

By signing this petition, you're not just supporting recreational facilities; you're championing the health, happiness, and unity of the entire USC community. Together, let's take action to ensure these spaces remain a vibrant part of our university life. Fight on!

USC Annenberg Media Coverage of Our Efforts