Roswell Residents Vent Frustrations About Tennis Center Project

ROSWELL, GA — It's been nearly two months since the city of Roswell shelved a proposal to build a massive tennis center on a large chunk of Big Creek Park, but that didn't stop hundreds of people from voicing their opinions on the matter Thursday at a town hall meeting at the East Roswell Recreation Center.

Roswell city leaders hosted the meeting, which included an overview of the timeline when the city entertained the idea of building the Angela Krause Tennis, Pickleball and Fitness Center on about 60 acres at Big Creek Park. Thursday's meeting also insight into passive and active park definitions and current park policy process and proposed changes.

However, the bulk of the meeting was used for residents to get what they want to say off their chests and into the record, and for the city's elected officials to listen to the feedback from their constituents. Mayor Lori Henry reiterated that Big Creek Park is "off the table" for a tennis facility, and Roswell is looking at other pieces of property that would be suitable for the tennis facility.

Plans for the 135-court facility called for more than 80 clay courts when finished, which is more than double the number of clay courts currently available at any location around the country. It would have also included traditional hard courts and grass courts, as well as a tournament-size, 24-court pickleball facility.

The Krause family wanted to build the center in honor of their daughter, Angela Krause, who passed away at age 29 after battling ALK, a rare form of non-smokers lung cancer. She was diagnosed three days after giving birth to her son and died less than four months later in February 2015. Angela Krause was an avid tennis player and member of UGA's club tennis team.

Roswell City Council members were scheduled to take up a proposed memorandum of understanding to move forward with the project at its Aug. 13 meeting. However, the items was removed from the agenda for consideration. Henry said since the MOU was scrapped, many residents who attended the Aug. 13 meeting felt they lost their chance to speak up.

"This meeting is to replace that, and I really want you to know we are here to listen," she added, also reading into the record a prepared statement on behalf of the Roswell City Council stating they were only there to listen and not provide input.

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One resident, Laura Cordell, said she has lost faith and any trust she had in city leaders. She also noted she was appalled that the city wanted to "callously" cut down the trees at Big Creek Park to accommodate the proposal. She also criticized language used by a Council member calling those who were opposed to the plan as "nimbys" and "tree people."

“I'm the face of all of those and I’m offended, and I think everyone in this room is probably one of those people, am I right?,” she asked, with the audience affirming her question with applause.

Many residents called on the city to enact protections for Big Creek Park and to allow the natural preserve to remain its current state, as it provides a safe place for walkers, runners, hikers and mountain bikers to escape the hustle and bustle of urban and suburban life.

Another resident, who described himself as a "power user" of the park, said he ventures to Big Creek five to six times a week. According to the timeline provided by the city, Roswell leaders held dozens of meetings with officials to discuss the proposal and how it could become a reality. The speaker asked if anyone on the City Council during those meetings questioned whether the community would want such a project to take out Big Creek Park. That, he added, demonstrates a disconnect between the residents and the folks who are elected to represent the citizenry.

Debbie Paulding, a walker and trail runner who is a published writer and award-winning photographer, said Big Creek Park is her solace and is a perfect place where she can think and create. She even asked her husband to purchase a bench to install at the park in her memory upon her passing.

"That's how much I love Big Creek Park," she said.

Bill Langham, a former Army ranger and founder of MTB Vets, said Big Creek Park has been used by himself and other military veterans for "trail therapy." Riding the trails with fellow veterans who have a passion for mountain biking, he said, helps stimulates the mind and soul of those men and women struggling with mental health issues. Big Creek Park, he added, is one place you have the opportunity to run into an 8-point buck just miles from downtown Atlanta.

Mayor Henry reassured the public that the city will do everything in its power to keep residents informed of any new developments in the project. If you were unable to attend Thursday's meeting, you can visit the city's website to review the handouts provided to residents.

Image via Shutterstock