For a number of years the local tennis club has had a formal arrangement with the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society.

That deal gave a level of control to the local club over community courts maintained by the parks staff. It came with a fee that all agreed to.

New year, new leadership, new idea – the club would prefer to pay nothing or a very small amount.

Parks Manager Carol Sheridan:”They want reserved court times for their members/programs/events without having to pay fees to the OPRS.”

For the past several years there has been an MOU in place with the Tennis Club detailing the intent of the working relationship, reserved court times, membership fees that would be paid to the Society and other things like court maintenance. The Tennis Club is proposing that this agreement is no longer required and requesting exclusive use of the tennis courts through reserved times for the Club. The OPRS board will revisit the issue at their next meeting February 15.

Tennis Club President Sam Dimou: Yes we met with the Manager in November and made a short presentation on Monday at the Parks Board Meeting. The club has members from Penticton to Osoyoos. Dimou says most areas in BC have tennis courts as a public amenity and open for all users.

The issues: the need for reserved times, exclusive use, pickle ball players and their desire for courts, cost of maintenance, cost recovery, and a good working arrangement.