The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department plans to implement a $5 reservation fee for over half of its public tennis courts, drawing concerns from players. The fee would apply to 67 out of 123 tennis courts and 41 out of 67 pickleball courts, with only walk-up courts remaining free. Opponents argue this fee could restrict access and alter community interactions. The proposal aims to generate $1 million to avoid cuts to park services, but skepticism remains about its long-term impact on public access and affordability for users.
Most of the members feel that the community wouldn't be the same," said Prince Boucher, founder of the Mission Athletic Club, a free-of-charge tennis group that hosts social games every week.
If they were to take away some of the open-play places to put reservations there instead, you don't have the dynamic of a 10-year-old playing with an 80-year-old anymore.
According to Rec and Parks' budget proposal, the fees are projected to generate $1 million for the department, making it a practical way to avoid making deep, painful cuts to essential park services.
The hourly fee would apply only to courts that must be reserved - 67 out of 123 tennis courts and 41 out of 67 pickleball courts citywide.
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