Boone Park Tennis Complex

Boone Park has the city's largest tennis complex, with 14 clay courts, two hard courts, two beat walls, and lights for night play. Anyone who's ever played there knows it's a terrific neighborhood resource, and also incredibly cheap, with court rentals available for just a few dollars an hour, and an annual family membership of $175. It's utilized by some 3,000 players of all ages each month.

With the city facing a tough budget year, however, the Mayor is floating a plan to privatize the facility, as well as the San Marco Tennis Complex; he's looking for a public-private partnership to stretch city dollars for better services. Opponents of the plan worry that a private entity will do little more than jack up fees, without addressing necessary improvements. The City is hosting a meeting to discuss its proposal with interested parties; the date is April 6th at 6 pm in the Lynwood Roberts Room at City Hall.

Image courtesy of Waymarking.

Community Meeting – John Gorrie Junior High

Please make plans to attend a community meeting regarding the future use of John Gorrie Junior High. The meeting will be held Monday, March 16 from 6:30 -8:30pm in Craig Hall in the Church of the Good Shepherd located at the corner of Park and Stockton.

For those of you who haven't heard, the Duval County School Board recently sold the school to Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver and his wife, Delores Barr Weaver, under the name John Gorrie Investment Group LLC. This meeting has been called to get community input as to the possible future use. Working with architect Jack Diamond, the Weavers are considering converting the facility into affordable housing for nurses and teachers. Another option is to convert the facility for charter school use.

The Stockton Street Vision Plan has been approved and is in the works. John Gorrie Junior High will have a considerable impact on the entire area. Now is your chance to be heard. Bring your ideas. This is an important meeting.