Subject: Request for Additional Tennis Courts at Loma Alta Park
Dear Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation,
We, the residents and community members of Altadena, are writing to advocate for the addition of new tennis courts at Loma Alta Park. Tennis is a deeply valued sport in our neighborhood, yet local demand consistently exceeds our existing facility capacity. Expanding access at Loma Alta Park will provide vital opportunities for youth, adults, and seniors to remain active, healthy, and connected.
Community Need & Fundraising Initiative For years, local players have struggled to find available courts, making access difficult for those without private club memberships. Beyond petitioning for county support, our community is actively raising funds to directly contribute to the design, construction, and equipment costs for this project. Expanding court capacity will allow local coaches and programs to introduce:
- Junior and adult league play, private and group instruction, and community tournaments.
- On-site equipment services and expanded recreational programming.
- Sustainable court revenue, helping offset ongoing park maintenance and facility upkeep.
Because roughly 70% of tennis is played at public venues, affordable public courts align directly with the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Health, Wellness, and Social Equity Pillars. The USTA announced that tennis participation in the United States increased by 1.6 million in 2025 to eclipse a new high of 27.3 million total players. Since 2019, tennis participation in the U.S. has grown by 54 percent, adding nearly 10 million players over six consecutive years of growth. Investing in public courts—and partnering with community fundraising—is more critical than ever.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
- Physical Health: Racket sports offer exceptional long-term cardiovascular benefits, easily helping residents meet American Heart Association exercise guidelines. Research shows playing racket sports correlates with a 59% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality and a 47% reduction in all-cause mortality, while helping combat physical inactivity in youth.
- Social Connection: Organized doubles leagues and team play foster real-world social networks, counteracting digital isolation and teaching young athletes teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
- Mental Agility: Tennis requires constant real-time problem-solving, helping players of all ages build focus, manage stress, and maintain cognitive health.
Loma Alta Park is a central hub for our neighborhood. By combining county backing with our local fundraising campaign, we can turn this expansion into a reality and significantly enhance its value to the Altadena community. We strongly urge you to support this investment in public health and equity.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued dedication to our local parks.
Sincerely,
Altadena Community Members