It is nearly game, set and match on the long-running saga of Alexandra's Pioneer Park tennis courts.
The Vincent Community Board this week approved the laying of an artificial turf surface on the existing courts, next to the Central Stories complex, ending more than three years of debate on whether the courts should be retained, relocated, upgraded or removed.
Community facilities officer Carol McGarry told the board this week the artificial turf would be the size of three courts and could be used for tennis, basketball, hockey, touch and cricket drills.
"The Alexandra Youth Forum and members of the public associated with tennis and hockey have spoken out, demanding the surface of the recreational space be Astroturf.
These people have given their assurance that vandalism and misuse will not be a problem," Mrs McGarry said.
Instead of the original $250,000 quoted for the project, a cheaper version of the artificial turf would cost less than half that amount, she said.
The new courts would be available for the public to use and the area would be fenced again, Mrs McGarry said.
