100 signatures reached
To: Mayor Jimmy Williams and the Saranac Lake Village Board
Keep the Courts!
Dear Mr. Mayor and Saranac Lake Board of Trustees,
Last year, after heeding public response, the Board decided to keep the tennis courts at Baldwin Park. Now, in an effort to chase grant money, the Board has reversed its decision and voted to demolish the courts without asking for, or taking into account, public input.
Currently one can picnic, fish, and/or sit along the long stretch of park across from NBT, Nonna Fina, and at Riverside park. These areas are already under-utilized, yet the Village wants to add another place to picnic, fish and/or sit at the current site of the Baldwin courts.
There are only 2 other tennis courts nearby, and in high demand with dual usage as pickleball courts. The High Peaks Pickleball Club has raised thousands of dollars to install three more courts at Mt. Pisgah showing how great the demand is and will become in the future.
The Baldwin Courts are located within walking distance of downtown and several hotels that accommodate hundreds of guests. Guests who already come out to play at the courts despite their current condition. These guests are welcomed into the local pickleball community, recommendations are made for restaurants and shops, and many may want to come back to our friendly little city to vacation again or even live.
Saranac Lake is striving to be considered a walkable, bikable, active community. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. We would love for people to see an active tennis and pickleball community as they drive into our town.
Last year, after heeding public response, the Board decided to keep the tennis courts at Baldwin Park. Now, in an effort to chase grant money, the Board has reversed its decision and voted to demolish the courts without asking for, or taking into account, public input.
Currently one can picnic, fish, and/or sit along the long stretch of park across from NBT, Nonna Fina, and at Riverside park. These areas are already under-utilized, yet the Village wants to add another place to picnic, fish and/or sit at the current site of the Baldwin courts.
There are only 2 other tennis courts nearby, and in high demand with dual usage as pickleball courts. The High Peaks Pickleball Club has raised thousands of dollars to install three more courts at Mt. Pisgah showing how great the demand is and will become in the future.
The Baldwin Courts are located within walking distance of downtown and several hotels that accommodate hundreds of guests. Guests who already come out to play at the courts despite their current condition. These guests are welcomed into the local pickleball community, recommendations are made for restaurants and shops, and many may want to come back to our friendly little city to vacation again or even live.
Saranac Lake is striving to be considered a walkable, bikable, active community. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. We would love for people to see an active tennis and pickleball community as they drive into our town.
Why is this important?
Please sign the petition to keep Saranac Lake vital, active and welcoming!