Is there a sports figure with more class than James Blake? The local tennis legend raised in Fairfield wants Bridgeport as his home for a tennis academy at Veterans Memorial Park next to the new magnet school on Park Avenue. It’s the park formerly known as 90 Acres. This is a fantastic opportunity for the city on behalf of city kids.
Ray Rizio, a land use attorney representing James Blake, provides details in this letter submitted the other day to Mark Marko, chairman of the city’s Parks Commission.
Dear Mr. Marko:
This letter is to advise you that our office represents James Blake and he has asked us to present to the Bridgeport Parks Commission an opportunity to create a tennis academy at Veterans Park. He envisions constructing a building which would contain seven (7) indoor tennis courts and four (4) outdoor Padel Tennis Court on approximately five (5) acres of land directly north of the new magnet school abutting Park Avenue. I have attached a conceptual plan, showing the anticipated location of the courts. Our engineers were instructed to minimize the disturbance of any natural vegetation.
Mr. Blake is a Fairfield resident/native and a professional tennis player. He is one of the top tennis players in the world over the last decade (rising as high as number 4). He has represented the United States in the Olympics and in Davis Cup competition. Prior to being a professional, he attended Harvard University and was the number one collegiate tennis player in the country while in school. I have also included a short biographical summary of James’ career.
Now in the twilight of his professional playing career, he would like to embark on a new challenge. He believes that a first rate tennis academy run by the finest teachers and coaches in the country will provide the youth of Bridgeport and the surrounding communities the opportunity to excel in a game that has given him so much. Mr. Blake believes that at this time it is his chance to “give back” and create an environment that will develop tomorrow’s champions.
We have been searching the New York Metropolitan area for a location to create such an environment. After considering many possibilities and offers, Mr. Blake came to the conclusion that Bridgeport, Connecticut was the perfect place to start this enterprise. It is hard to believe that in the largest city in the State of Connecticut there does not exist one indoor tennis court. While the City and the area have many talented athletes and tennis players, there is no facility available for these players of tomorrow to obtain the top level of training and coaching necessary to succeed in tennis. Furthermore, this facility would introduce this tremendous sport to inner city children, who otherwise would not have the opportunity for such exposure.
I would appreciate the opportunity to make a presentation to the Parks Commission and start the process of turning this fine young man’s dream into a reality. Please advise me as to the next possible date that we could appear before your Commission.
Very truly yours,
Raymond Rizio
I hope our city will not block Blake!
How about a brownfield, or better yet, downtown north?
Thank you Jim Blake for thinking about Bridgeport! A tennis academy is a great idea, but locating on Park Ave is not. Please consider someplace closer to the Arena and Stadium. You would have the traffic for visibility, help boost the image of a sports entertainment center, bring more activity downtown and become an even better community-concerned person.
I love tennis and I admire James Blake. But I think a tennis academy in Bridgeport at this time under these economic conditions is foolhardy. I began playing tennis in the early ’70s. It was exciting times as the Lavers and Smiths and Riggs made way for the Connors, Nastases, Everts, Kings, Navratilovas, Lendls, McEnroes, Ashes, et al. The Grand Slam events were nearly as popular as golf tournies.
As the economy softened over the next 25 years so did interest in tennis. Court time was expensive. The equipment costly.
Blake’s vision is noble but not fiscally sound. Since he intends to involve the city in supporting his venture by leasing 90 acres, maybe it’s not a good commercial idea.
If he does go through with it, I know 5 grandchildren who will be the first to sign up.
“It is hard to believe that in the largest city in the State of Connecticut there does not exist one indoor tennis court.” a la Rizio.
The economic conditions in Bridgeport are spiraling into the crapper. That’s why there are no commercial tennis facilities in the city. What on earth makes Blake think now is the time? BTW … there are no truly good cigar stores in Bridgeport either. Cigar spending is another soft indicator of consumer confidence.
This is just what BPT needs. Another non-profit organization to give our delusional youth the false vision of opportunity. Please forgive my lack of enthusiasm but BPT already has its fill of dreams unfulfilled. The last brilliant idea we had for 90 acres was a little league stadium. The “Park City” is giving away its parkland at an alarming rate. Fuck the feel-good moments, get our city back on track!
Now, that I understand.
Once upon a time Little League Baseball proposed putting a regional facility in the same park. But the neighbors objected, the Mayor buckled and the City city said no. The Little League went to Bristol instead and people there couldn’t be happier.
Unless Bridgeport loses its “just say no” reaction to anything new, nothing is going to change.