Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board To Review InnerCity Tennis Foundation’s Renovation Plan at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is beginning a review process for InnerCity Tennis Foundation’s proposal to renovate the tennis center at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and is seeking community participation in the review process. MPRB Board of Commissioners has approved the creation of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the project and interested individuals may be considered for appointment to the CAC by submitting an application. The application deadline is April 15, 2014.

The CAC, which will represent a range of park users, will be appointed by MPRB commissioners, other elected city officials, neighborhood associations and advisory groups. CAC members will act as liaisons to the community and will work with MPRB staff to engage the community in reviewing the proposal from InnerCity Tennis Foundation. The CAC will complete its work by making recommendations on the proposed renovations to the MPRB Board of Commissioners. Three meetings are scheduled for April 24, May 15 and June 5. However, if the review and revisions can be completed in the first two meetings, the third meeting will be cancelled. All meeting are scheduled for 6:30-8:30 pm at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Recreation Center. Please call (612) 230-6472 at least 2 business days in advance of the meeting to request interpreter services for that meeting.

Over the years, ownership of the tennis center at the park has changed several times. The existing building and tennis domes are owned by the InnerCity Tennis Foundation on MPRB property. The proposed improvements are intended to improve the program delivery and function of the existing facility. The total cost of the improvements is expected to exceed $2 million and will be funded through private donations and grants.

MPRB approval of the capital improvements for the facility will inform lease discussions with InnerCity Tennis Foundation. It is anticipated that the lease discussions between the MPRB and InnerCity Tennis Foundation will occur in tandem with the community engagement process. The lease negotiation is not part of the community engagement process.

Sign up to receive e-mail updates by subscribing online or, if you are already a subscriber, by adding “InnerCity Tennis Foundation Renovation Plan” to your subscription preferences. For more information, please contact Jennifer Ringold at jringold@minneapolisparks.org or (612) 230-6464.