The city of Raleigh has begun construction on 8 new tennis courts at Biltmore Hills Park, a project that has been in the works for nearly 10 years. The new courts will bring the total number of active tennis courts at the park to 16.

Residents Push for More Improvements

However, some residents, including longtime player Nicole Sullivan, are pushing for more to be done. Sullivan argues that the existing lower 8 courts are not in good shape and have not been properly maintained. She and other residents showed up to the project groundbreaking with signs demanding accountability from city officials.

Stephen Bentley, director of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, acknowledged that the tennis community has been advocating for improvements for nearly a decade. He said that the city is working with consultants and the community to develop a plan to replace the existing courts, with discussions set to start in the fall and a goal to develop a budget by next spring.

Sullivan and others are calling for the city to use remaining bond money to fund the additional improvements. The city has stated that this is not feasible, citing the limited funds approved in the bond for the 8 new courts.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.