Dear Mayor and Councillors of Hawkesbury City Council,
We, the undersigned players and members of the Richmond Tennis Centre & Hawkesbury District Tennis Association write to you to express our deep concern regarding urgent issues affecting our local tennis centre. We respectfully request the immediate allocation of funds to address these critical matters to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and accessibility of this vital community facility.
Background
In recent years, the tennis centre has experienced many significant challenges requiring the council’s prompt attention and support. These issues include, but are not limited to:
· Deteriorating court surfaces, which have become uneven and pose a risk of injury to players of all ages and abilities.
· Damaged or inadequate fencing within and surrounding the tennis courts
· Outdated lighting, making it difficult to use the courts during evening hours and limiting access for the broader community.
Urgency of the Request
These concerns have escalated to a point where urgent intervention is required. Without immediate funding and action, the condition of the tennis centre will likely worsen, potentially resulting in injuries, reduced community participation, and a decline in the venue’s overall viability.
Community Support
This petition represents the united voice of our community, who value the tennis centre as an essential recreational asset.
In addition to its importance for tennis players, the Richmond Tennis Centre is increasingly recognised as a versatile community hub. The facility now supports a range of sports and activities, including pickleball, futsal, and soccer, enhancing its value for residents of all ages and interests. By maintaining and upgrading the centre, we can continue to provide safe, accessible spaces for these growing recreational pursuits, making the venue a cornerstone for active lifestyles and social engagement in our neighbourhood.
Attached are the signatures of residents who support this urgent request and seek the council’s immediate response.
Requested Actions
1. Immediate assessment and resurfacing of damaged and uneven tennis courts to ensure player safety and accessibility.
2. Replace internal fencing between courts
3. Installation and maintenance of energy efficient LED lighting to enable safe and extended use of the courts, especially during evening hours.
We urge the council to prioritise these works by allocating the necessary funds from the council’s emergency or discretionary budgets. We are also open to discussing possible timelines and opportunities for community collaboration on these projects.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your prompt response and to working together to ensure the tennis centre remains a safe, vibrant, and accessible space for all members of our neighbourhood.
Yours sincerely,
Richmond Tennis Centre and Hawkesbury District Tennis Association
