Stanford University Facilities have decided to limit lights to 8pm for the West Campus Tennis Courts.

The reason they've given is cost and energy saving. However, many faculty, staff, alumni, post-docs, grad students, and undergrads play on these courts in the evening, using it as a means of maintaining physical and emotional well-being. Many of these affiliates also have working hours until at least 6pm (often later), so by shutting down at 8pm, those dependent on the courts for work-life balance would be deprived of such.

We are certainly a strong proponent for energy-saving, but we believe this may be a poor reallocation of resources, as the physical and mental health of students and faculty/staff are at stake. We are happy to work with Stanford facilities to find other ways to save energy, but we hope this is not the only means.

We ask that Stanford University continues to keep the lights on for the West Campus Tennis courts during the evening. Thank you!