JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Questions are mounting about the future of the Southside Tennis Courts in San Marco as a city councilman plans a community open house without releasing details about proposed changes.
City Councilman Joe Carlucci has scheduled an open house about what he has described only as “a project” involving the popular tennis complex. With no clear information about what may be planned, players who rely on the courts say the uncertainty is already causing concern.
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The Southside Tennis Complex serves as a hub for leagues, traveling teams and recreational players from across Northeast Florida. The courts are especially valued by clay-court players, who say public options are limited in the region.
“I don’t feel like they’re being honest,” Margaret Raffer, who has played at the courts since 2000, said. “I think they want to do something behind our back and then, oh, by the way, we’re going to knock all this down.”
Concerns grew after Carlucci announced the open house, but declined to share specifics about what changes may be coming.
In a statement to News4JAX, Carlucci said there are no final plans.
“There are no final plans at this point,” Carlucci wrote. “Come to the open house, there’s nothing further I can share. Rumors are rumors. We have a lot to share regarding all these parks and it’s best everyone is there, see it and hear it at the same time.”
The lack of clarity has left players uneasy about the future of the facility.
“We’re concerned that if something happens to it, where would we go?” tennis player Tiffany Davis said. “I come from St. Johns because St. Johns has no public clay courts, and we house a lot of teams here. People travel from all over.”
Davis said even minor changes could disrupt league play and public access. She hopes the city will be more transparent about its plans.
“I think it just needs to be a little more transparent about what the future is going to hold,” Davis said. “Jacksonville is growing. This is part of downtown, so maybe the courts could be revamped.”
Some players say they would welcome upgrades if the courts remain intact.
“You want to make changes and spend some money, upgrade the facilities,” Raffer said. “The toilets are old and the showers are old, and that whole thing could be renovated.”
The community open house is scheduled for Feb. 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Balis Community Center. Carlucci is also expected to discuss projects at the Southbank Dog Park, Broadcast Place Park and Fuller Warren Bridge Park.