ATTENTION:

CITY OF LAKE FOREST
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

LAKE FOREST RECREATION CENTER

SQUASH and RACQUETBALL

400 Hastings Road

Lake Forest, IL 60045

PETITION FOR VARNISH REMOVAL - INDOOR RACQUET COURTS #1 and #2

20 March 2015

To whom it may concern:

This petition, signed by the Lake Forest Recreation Center Squash Community, is for the request and urgency to please have the varnish removed from Courts #1 and #2. Over the years, we have seen a growing interest in squash and a vast decline in racquetball. Having three squash courts with bare wood flooring, which is standard for squash, would be extremely beneficial for the continuation of the Lake Forest Recreation Center Squash programs as well as those of us, adults and juniors, who play regularly at the courts. The varnished floors on Courts #1 and #2, which is standard for racquetball, is a huge liability due to the slipperiness.

SAFETY IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY!

Squash requires continual lunging, increased movement and quick change of direction. These important elements of the game cannot be performed properly due to the varnished flooring. There is continual concern for everyone's safety.

Examples of potential injuries and related issues due to the slipperiness of Courts #1 and #2:

1. Sprained/Broken Ankles

2. Hip Landings

3. Falling

4. Players having to change their game tactics due to fear of injury - i.e. not playing as aggressively as one would like; being cautious

5. The difficulty and challenge of running squash programs with only ONE standard squash court - this includes after school programs and practices, junior team matches, adult matches/leagues

6. Players who will only play on Court #3: the main squash court

7. Players who have chosen to leave the Lake Forest Recreation Center and play at other clubs with proper courts

8. Racquetballers who have also commented to the head squash pro on the slipperiness of the floors

We do not want to see the squash program at the Lake Forest Recreation Center, which we have grown to enjoy and appreciate, become jeopardized.

We greatly thank you for considering our request and truly hope that changes will be made soon.

Sincerely,

The Lake Forest Recreation Center Squash Community