To: Mr. Tom Aydelotte, Owner, Buttonwood Tennis Club

C.c.: Carlos Chaumer, Director of Tennis

We, the undersigned, believe that the conditions of Buttonwood Tennis Club, its courts, and overall services offered have deteriorated or been drastically reduced over time, while member fees have increased, in most cases, without proper notification. 
Many of us have expressed our concerns individually only to see our voices fall in deaf ears. We understand the economic situation is a difficult one, and that it is always important to do things in a more efficient and economical way. But unfortunately it has become evident that, while dues have increased, so have “cuts” and these are being made at members’ expense.

We are all faithful members who continuously give you our hard earned money and strive to represent Buttonwood in a friendly, professional, and competitive manner. Buttonwood's members' accomplishments over these last few years are clear proof of this.
We, your members, have been "walking advertisement" for the Club, with our consistently strong leagues, steadily recruiting members attracted by our fun, competitive and friendly atmosphere. But it is hard, and even embarassing, to overcome guest teams' strong - yet accurate - critisism of our facilities. Because of all mentioned above, many feel their bond to the Club is abating.
The fact that the time we spend at Buttonwood may be percieved as "fun time" and "entertainment" should not be confused with the reality that Buttonwood is a business and should respond to its clients in a diligent and qualified manner. This is currently not the case.
At this point you have left us, your members, with no other choice than to have our voices heard in unison, to alert you to the seriousness of our frustration with your services at Buttonwood Tennis Club. For this, we respectfully request that:

• Courts be brought up to safe and optimal playing conditions. They are dry, missing clay, have mold in corners, plants and other greens growing thoughout, bottom fences broken, fences with wires sticking out, uneven tapes and nails, and the list goes on. This has resulted in numerous falls and has finally become a serious liability;
• The Club remain open during weekends (Sat and Sun afternoon) as it was when most of us originally signed up. If you choose to maintain these reduced hours of operation, then reduce the fees accordingly;
• That courts be maintained in a professional manner, on a daily basis, and throughout the day as they are being used (this includes watering and sweeping regularly, even for those using the courts later during the day);
• That courts be in condition for members who reserve them when they arrive;
• That lights be turned on not as an absolute last resort, but when the visibility calls for it;
• That lights be fixed (court 5 has had a dead light for months);
• That the water fountains function properly
• That there be enough scoreboards to conduct at least two home league matches simoultaneously (i.e. 10 scoreboards);
• That bathrooms be cleaned professionally (we have even had other club members complain about the mold growing in showers and the disgusting smell in the ladies restroom).

We sincerely hope that our concerns will be addressed so we can enjoy our tennis experience, so we can put a stop to all the people that are considering leaving the facilities, and so we can bring members that have left back. We all wish to be proud of our club again, and hope this is the beginning of something better for everyone.

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