The Astoria Park tennis courts sit underutilized over the winter and are heading into disrepair (e.g., broken nets, cracks in the surface). Let's winterize a section of the Astoria Park tennis courts so they can serve our community all year long! 

As someone who calls Astoria home and cherishes the joy of playing tennis, the Astoria Park tennis courts hold a special place in my heart. My spouse proposed to me at these tennis courts, and we have spent countless days here during the warm months. These courts are more than just a recreational facility; they are a vibrant hub for our community, bringing together people across the city to share in our love of this sport.

The love of tennis across the city grows, but the court space remains limited. Our efforts to keep the courts open during the colder months have shown the dedication of our community to the sport. In 2022, our 1,400-member Facebook group "ASTORIA TENNIS" successfully called local legislators and rallied to keep the courts accessible through winter.

However, while the courts remain open, the unpredictable winter weather poses numerous challenges for players who want to enjoy the sport all year long. The 14 tennis courts are still underutilized due to:

1. inclement weather (including snow, rain, high wind); 
2. lack of lights after dark (especially during 4:30 pm sunsets); and
3. lack of regularly scheduled maintenance (there are cracks & broken nets on some courts, and leaves are not swept during autumn weather).

A seasonal enclosure for a portion of the courts could solve these problems, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for year-round play. The unenclosed courts remain free and accessible to the public. An enclosure could not only protect players from the elements but also preserve the courts' surfaces, extending their longevity and reducing maintenance costs over time. A private operator could also resurface the courts (much needed repair as court quality worsens) and provide lights, thereby making courts available for nighttime use. 

The benefits of a seasonal enclosure are vast:

1. Local schools and youth programs could incorporate tennis into their winter activities, fostering a love for the game among the younger generation.
2. It provides an excellent option for fitness and recreation, positively impacting physical and mental health during the cold months.

3. Instead of NYC Parks (and taxpayer money), a private operator could fund, install, and maintain the enclosure (and perhaps lights) as well as regularly resurface and properly maintain the courts.

4. The operator would pay a fee to NYC Parks, generating revenue for the city.

5. In addition to tennis courts, an operator could also make pickleball courts and equipment available on a portion of the indoor courts. 

Constructing a seasonal enclosure is not just a dream; it's a realistic and achievable goal. Many courts across the city—including McCarren, Prospect Park, and Cunningham—have successfully implemented enclosures, enhancing the accessibility and utility of public tennis courts year-round.

We—the residents of Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, and the broader NYC community of tennis enthusiasts—urge the local Community Board and NYC Parks department to allow a concessionaire or private operator to provide and maintain seasonal enclosures over a portion of Astoria Park tennis courts. By allowing a concessionaire to address these issues, we can transform the Astoria Park tennis courts into a year-round haven for athletes and families alike.

Join us in our quest to enrich our community and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Sign this petition to support the possible seasonal enclosure for the Astoria Park tennis courts and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the sport we love through all seasons. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community's recreational landscape.