Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to last week’s letter “Wellington Needs To Hire A1A Tennis,” written by Corey Goldstein.
Mr. Corey Goldstein, by his own claims, is a Wellington resident and a tennis player. He offers suggestions as to how the Wellington Tennis Center can become a place that would “enrich the lives of tennis players and non-tennis players.” By granting providership to his “acquaintances” at A1A Tennis, he claims this will not only save taxpayers a “considerable” amount of money, but it will also “enhance” our community.
I am all in favor of saving money on taxes, enriching my life and that of others, and enhancing my community. The question I have for Mr. Goldstein and the principals at A1A is, “How?” I would like to analyze the two answers Mr. Goldstein provides.
Since Mr. Goldstein offers no details as to how A1A will save taxpayers money, I will address his idea to attract more tennis players to the tennis center by bringing in “name” players. Mr. Goldstein envisions these name players interacting with and reaching out to juniors and seniors. When would this occur? How often and at what cost? Name players do not typically make appearances for free, and even if they appear at a reduced rate, how many times a year would they be brought in? Finally, where is the data that proves membership will increase by bringing in a Roger Federer?
Mr. Goldstein also claims that A1A Tennis will put an end to the “underutilization” of the courts. Again, how? Since Mr. Goldstein didn’t mention that he is a pass holder at the tennis center, I’m assuming that he doesn’t try to book a court there between the hours of 8 a.m. to noon or 6 to 9 p.m. If he did, he would know that on the contrary, the courts are full. It is almost impossible to get on a court without a reservation. As for the down time on the court, between 1 to 3 p.m., most courts in Florida are empty at that time. Try playing at that time and you will soon find out why.
“Despite the enormous growth in Wellington’s population… the tennis center… is not being utilized as it should.” I think it’s a valid question to ask Mr. Goldstein and A1A how a tennis center should be utilized. Has Mr. Goldstein and A1A looked at other sports providers and compared their rate of growth to that of the populations? Have they taken into consideration the average age of the pass holders at the Wellington Tennis Center and those of similar facilities? Did Mr. Goldstein research other public facilities, and their numbers, growth rates and programs? He could be dead-on accurate, but let’s see some backup, please.
Finally, how does A1A plan on lowering maintenance fees and then in turn, returning those fees to the village? Exactly how much do they plan on saving and returning? Being the lowest bidder in a race doesn’t necessarily mean you are the best.
Hopefully Mr. Goldstein’s acquaintances at A1A will provide answers to these claims. Then let the committee decide if 15 years of outstanding service is worth risking on an unknown entity.
Jessica Fronrath, Wellington
