Spanish Fort residents press council to allow paid tennis instruction; city to vet interim providers

Dozens of Spanish Fort residents urged the City Council on April 6 to allow paid tennis instruction at Spirit Park and to build local programming so juniors and adults would not have to travel to neighboring cities for lessons.

"We have the facilities and demand, but we are not capturing the opportunity," said Blair Loman, a Spanish Fort resident, arguing that a qualified tennis professional could provide organized lessons and youth development without restricting public access. Several speakers backed that view, including Sheri Nelson, who told the council her high-school coach lacks the time to coach players individually and would benefit from a resident pro.

The council did not vote on a permanent hire but directed a staged approach. Mayor Brad Bass asked the tennis community to form a committee and present proposals; in the short term staff — led by parks supervisor Mr. Weaver and a city gatekeeper (referred to as David in the meeting) — will vet instructors who request permission to teach lessons. Council members said interim approval will require a business license, liability insurance, and, where minors are involved, background checks.

Councilmembers emphasized preserving public access while accommodating organized instruction. Officials noted eight courts at Spirit Park and reiterated an intent to keep roughly half the courts available for pick-up play or community use during peak times. "We can give opportunities without conflicting with the current schedule," a council member said while urging staff to publish court blocks available for lessons and clinics.

Speakers urged an open process that avoids granting a monopoly to a single instructor. Jill Emerson recommended that multiple qualified pros be eligible for approval. Several residents said nearby municipalities (Daphne, Fairhope) grew tennis by permitting pros and structured programming.

Next steps: the tennis committee and city staff will meet after spring break to craft a proposal; in the short term the city will accept applications from instructors who can complete background checks, show insurance and licenses, and coordinate scheduling with parks staff. Council indicated the pilot period will be monitored and reconsidered if conflicts arise.

Why it matters: Residents described a sustained local demand for tennis instruction that they say would increase youth development and adult recreation while better utilizing existing courts. The council’s incremental approach seeks to balance those goals with continued public access.

Ending note: City staff will begin coordinating with interested instructors and the nascent tennis committee; a follow-up will be discussed at an upcoming meeting after spring break.