Smythe Park Tennis Courts

(Ward 27 - York Humber)

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the Recommendation of the Budget Committee embodied in the following communication (February 22, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendations:

The Budget Committee on February 19, 1999, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report (January 15, 1999) from the Manager, Parks and Recreation, West District, wherein it is recommended that:

(1)staff in the Parks and Recreation Department, West District, evaluate the need for additional tennis courts as these facilities are inventoried with the new City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department;

(2)the following information be received regarding the Smythe Park master plan and the relocation of the lit tennis courts; and

(3)as part of the 1999 approved capital budget, the tennis courts at Smythe Park be removed.

Background:

The Budget Committee on February 19, 1999, had before it a report (February 3, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that York Community Council on January 20, 1999, recommended to the Budget Committee the adoption of the report (January 15, 1999) from the Manager, Parks and Recreation, West District, wherein it is recommended that:

(1)staff in the Parks and Recreation Department, West District, evaluate the need for additional tennis courts as these facilities are inventoried with the new City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department;

(2)the following information be received regarding the Smythe Park master plan and the relocation of the lit tennis courts; and

(3)as part of the 1999 approved capital budget, the tennis courts at Smythe Park be removed.

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(Report dated February 3, 1999, addressed to

the Budget Committee from the City Clerk)

Recommendation:

The York Community Council on January 20, 1999, recommended to the Budget Committee the approval of Recommendations Nos. (2) and (3) in the report dated January 15, 1999, from the Manager, Parks and Recreation, West District.

The York Community Council reports, for the information of the Budget Committee, having requested the Manager of Parks and Recreation, West District, York Civic Centre, to explore the need to relocate the two courts from Smythe Park, to an appropriate location, and that the necessary funds be identified within the five-year capital program.

Background:

The York Community Council on January 20, 1999, had before it a report (January 15, 1999) from the Manager, Parks and Recreation, West District, providing information on a plan of action for relocation of the tennis courts at Smythe Park; and recommending that:

(1)staff in the Parks and Recreation Department, West District, evaluate the need for additional tennis courts as these facilities are inventoried with the new City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department;

(2)the following information be received regarding the Smythe Park master plan and the relocation of the lit tennis courts; and

(3)as part of the 1999 approved capital budget, the tennis courts at Smythe Park be removed.

(Report dated January 15, 1999, addressed to the

Chair and Members, York Community Council, from

the Manager of Parks and Recreation, West District)

Purpose:

Councillor Saundercook has asked that staff report on a plan of action for relocation of the tennis courts at Smythe Park.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Status:

None.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)staff in the Parks and Recreation Department, West District, evaluate the need for additional tennis courts as these facilities are inventoried with the new City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department;

(2)the following information be received regarding the Smythe Park masterplan and the relocation of the lit tennis courts; and

(3)as part of the 1999 approved capital budget, the tennis courts at Smythe Park be removed.

Comments:

The tennis courts at Smythe Park have been out of play by the Smythe Park Tennis Club and the community for a number of years. The surface of the court has numerous cracks as a result of heaving due to ground water problems on the site. Soil samples and testing has occurred at Smythe Park and staff have recommended that the existing courts be removed and that the current pathway running from the top of the hill at Haney and Jane into Smythe Park be relocated. A winding path will be installed and the wetlands in Smythe Park will be preserved and expanded in the tennis court area. This work has been approved in the 1999 capital budget and work will be in progress during the sprint/summer of 1999.

Parks Planning staff from the former City of York have a masterplan for Smythe Park that includes the relocation of the tennis courts on the north side of Black Creek channel between Black Creek Boulevard and the existing batting cage adjacent to the tyke diamond. The cost to relocate these courts would be approximately $150,000.00 that would include:

-excavating and grading;

-paving;

-colour coding of the surface;

-line painting;

-fencing;

-lighting; and

-sodding and restoration work.

This would allow for three courts adjacent to the tyke diamond in Smythe Park. There has been no communication to date with the homeowners on Black Creek Boulevard whose backyards are adjacent to Smythe Park.

There is no money budgeted in the 5-year capital plan for the City of Toronto for relocation of these courts in Smythe Park.

It should also be noted that the Parks and Recreation Department is currently inventorying facilities that would include outdoor tennis courts. There is currently an active club at the Old Mill site where there are four lit tennis courts and a waiting list for memberships to join the club.

There are two outdoor tennis courts located on the south side of Runnymede Collegiate that are unlit.

There are also twelve outdoor tennis courts located at Eglinton Flats Park (Eglinton Avenue and Jane Street) with six courts covered during the winter months in a bubble that allows for winter play. These courts are pay-as-you-play.

Parks and Recreation staff have found that memberships at our outdoor facilities to include Cedarvale Park and Smythe Park have declined where both clubs are now cancelled. The Weston Lions Park facility that includes four lit tennis courts has a club with recreational and competitive play. Staff from the Recreation Department have been working with the Executive of the club to assist with a membership drive.

Other sites in Ward 27 have been considered by staff for installation of three or four lit tennis courts. The south-west corner of Alliance Avenue and Rockcliffe Boulevard has been considered, however, has several restraints. As this area was a former landfill, the existing soils may not be conducive to the construction of tennis courts. A parking lot will be required for the tennis facility that would reduce the amount of parkland available at the corner of Alliance and Rockcliffe and the residents who live on Alliance Avenue are not aware that this site has been considered.

The Rockcliffe Industrial Park site is also an option. There are no plans in place for construction on this site.

Conclusion:

That the capital program for Smythe Park continue, and that Parks and Recreation staff track any needs identified by the community for additional outdoor tennis courts in the community.

Contact Name:

W.N. Kevin Bowser, Manager of Parks and Recreation, West District, Tel: 394-2487.