To the editor:

In Lindy Ellis’ letter to the editor (July 1), she mentions grading, parking, wetland conditions — all contributing factors to why the tennis courts need to be removed. She fails to mention another option: Keep the park the way it is. Spruce up the fence, take down the evergreens, put in some picnic tables. Resurfacing the existing courts would cost the village far less than ponying up whatever the grant doesn’t cover of a $700,000 project.

Lindy also doesn’t take into account the simple fact that the MAJORITY of people do not want the courts to be removed. Over 500 people, including many villagers, signed a petition to keep the courts. 73% of people surveyed by this paper voted to keep the courts. An original survey conducted a year ago by the mayor had 88% of respondents voting to keep the courts. As Ms. Figuera, owner of Gauthier’s Hotel, said at a recent board meeting, “What more is it going to take?”

Removing the tennis courts is short-sighted and wasteful. Tear something down only to rebuild it later at a huge expense? The High Peaks Pickleball Club and co-sponsor the Saranac Lake Rotary Club are hosting a Youth Clinic at the Baldwin Park courts for six weeks this summer. Many of these clinics could be hosted in the coming years, for more age groups and more participants, both at Pisgah and at Baldwin. The HPPC would like to hold tournaments in the future, bringing in people from around the state, people who would have to dine, shop and stay in our village. Again, it is short-sighted to remove these courts. These courts have survived decades, without flooding, and can survive many more with a little care and much less money than a total revamp.

Respectfully,

Pam Palumbo

Lake Clear