Initiative To Build Coral Bay Tennis Court Aims To Even Island Score at 30-All

CORAL BAY — If a score was being kept on the amount of public tennis courts between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, it would be 30-love.

For those who are not versed in the terminology of tennis, this means that Cruz Bay has two courts, while Coral Bay has none.

A recent initiative aims to correct this. Many of the avid tennis players who reside on St. John are banding together to have a tennis court established in Coral Bay.

The ideal location is a four acre-parcel of land situated just uphill from the triangle.

The land was intended for recreational use as per the wishes of the Marsh family, but it is currently being used as a public dump.

“There should be tennis courts, basketball court, playgrounds, picnic tables, and more over there,” explained Caneel Hill tennis guru Steve Black. “The land has a gentle view of the harbor and it could become a focal point for families, our youth and Coral Bay visitors.”

Cruz Bay Court Woes
The initiative came to the forefront recently when a net pole broke on one of the courts in Cruz Bay and there was a lengthy delay in finding the pole and getting it repaired.

“During that time only one court was available,” explained Black. “So, I urged Craig Newell to restart the effort for courts in Coral Bay by linking up with other players on the island.”

Tennis enthusiast Craig Newell has busied himself with circulating flyers and petitions across the island.

“Tennis is such a wonderful sport,” explained Newell. “It can help the youth develop a positive attitude and direction in life.”

“All in all, this court can benefit everyone in Coral Bay,” Newell added. “Visitors and locals will no longer have to travel to the court all the way in Cruz Bay, the noisiest part of the island!”

Funding for this project could be made available through the Capital Improvement Fund which former Senator at Large Craig Barshinger has indicated may contain as much as $5 million, according to Black.

“Coral Bay has become a significant community on our island and deserves the amenities which communities commonly have,” said Black. “Tennis is great exercise; it’s demanding and challenging, and everyone who plays this sport feels better for the experience”

Flyers and petitions for the initiative can be found at both Connections in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.