Fiend at Court Unplugged
When Southlake (Texas) Tennis Center expanded a few years ago, the courts were configured in such a way that a bank of three tennis courts could remain open to the public when the tennis center is closed. In fact, during the COVID shutdown we played on those courts on a regular basis. Once the rest of the tennis players in our area discovered (or remembered) that those courts were left open, they were always packed. I am not aware of vandalism ever occurring on those courts.
Another example of courts being left unlocked during non-business hours at very nice tennis facilities is Hurst (Texas) Tennis Center. When its municipality cut back on pro shop staffing hours, HTC started to systematically leave some of the courts open for public access when the pro-shop was unattended. Those courts are next to a recreation center that sees a lot of foot traffic. Earlier this week I observed that some bushes along the fence line were removed. That significantly increases visibility of the courts from the rec center parking lot.
I recently stumbled across a facility in Tennessee that has what I consider to be the gold standard policy for public courts. The Arlington Tennis Organization mission statement includes the phrase “If you build it, they will come. The schools and the town built it. Come on out Arlington.” The courts are open from sunup until 10:00 P.M. The lights can be activated during operating hours via a push button system.
Vandalism was considered when the Arlington Tennis Organization policy was developed. In fact, it specifically addresses that concern “The Tennis Center is under video surveillance and any vandalism will be prosecuted.”
Municipalities and school districts may complain that video surveillance systems are expensive, but with costs of that equipment rapidly falling, that excuse rings hollow. Additionally, I would note that fake video surveillance cameras can be purchased for about $20 at Amazon. A fake video camera coupled with a sign indicating that the facility is under surveillance is most likely adequate deterrence from vandalism.
It is a travesty when tennis facilities that were built with public funds are not open to the people that paid for them through their tax dollars. An unattended locked court is simply a wasted resource. Vandalism occurs when facilities are not actively in use. Tennis courts left open are more likely to be used. Tennis courts that are being regularly used are less likely to be vandalized.
