Ramsden Park
A fight to keep the courts public
Residents pushed back on a club model and on giving tennis courts over to pickleball.
In late 2024, signs posted at the park indicated that the City was considering a club-based operating model for the tennis facilities. The ABC Residents Association (ABCRA), which represents the Yorkville/North Midtown community, pushed back, pointing to the commitment made during the 2017 Ramsden Park revitalization to keep the courts open and free to the public.
The debate continued into 2025 as the City explored changes involving dedicated pickleball use. ABCRA again advocated for the eight primary courts to remain dedicated to tennis, while suggesting that the park's dry-pad areas could accommodate pickleball and other multi-sport uses. The association also questioned the timing of the City's feedback process, noting that signs were posted in November, after the active tennis season had largely ended.