There has been confusion about the Portland Tennis Center’s finances, including claims that the facility has a “$2.2 million operating cost problem.”

In reality, the City’s Chief Financial Officer has stated that PTC’s annual operating cost is about $2.2 million—but has never said the center is losing that amount.

The City has not released any revenue data showing that PTC operates at a deficit, and PTC has long been recognized as one of Parks’ most reliable revenue‑generating facilities.

Some players were also told that PTC “loses money” because of the discounted‑pass program. That is incorrect. Discounted passes are a citywide equity policy, and the City reimburses PTC for those discounts. PTC receives the full value of every activity—either directly from the player or through the City’s Access Pass subsidy.

The discounted‑pass program does not create a financial loss for PTC.

Portland voters also approved a major Parks Levy in November 2025, providing stable, ongoing operating revenue for the entire Parks system. This levy was explicitly designed to strengthen public recreation—not to justify privatizing public assets.

With this new funding in place, Portland’s financial position for Parks is stronger, not weaker.

At the same time, recent reporting shows the City identified over $100 million in unspent or unbudgeted funds in other bureaus.

This makes it clear that the issue is not a lack of money in Portland’s system—it is about planning and prioritization. Roof and bubble repairs are normal capital projects, and with stable funding from the Parks Levy.

This is the right moment to invest in PTC—not to give away Portland’s only indoor public tennis center for $1 for 30 years.