How about a community sports and recreation facility?

To the editor:

Recently, the city of Palmer manager and Fred Meyer’s real estate director solicited community input in planning what will become of the soon-to-be-vacated Cobb Street facility when the new building is completed on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. I submit that our community considers sending suggestions for a community sports and recreation facility that includes indoor tennis courts, track, soccer, batting cages, etc., that would provide affordable programming and access rather than the private health clubs.

The handful of public facilities focus on hockey, with negligible attention to other sport and fitness options. There are no indoor racquet facilities in the Valley at all.

The need for tennis courts in the Valley is real, as there are only two community options, and these are in disrepair, weather-dependent and aging.

Our community has proven dedication to sports activities of all types. Additionally, research shows that children who participate in physical activity find benefits extending to both academic achievement and health. Year-round access to tennis, racquetball, soccer and basketball will benefit our community.

Interest in tennis in our state is increasing rapidly. Tennis is a sport that is accessible to all ages and physical abilities, including adaptive tennis.

I hope that the Fred Meyer company will invest in our community by considering a community sports and recreation facility that specifically includes options for racquet sports. The need for this type of affordable access is very clear.

Further, a community center such as this would complement the local stores, events and involvement that Palmer already enjoys. Please consider supporting this option and voicing your support to Palmer City Manager Joe Hannan.

Susan Brunner

President, Mat-Su Tennis Association

Palmer