Bayside Council evaluates expressions of interest for run-down Scarborough Park courts

Former manager of the complex, Kevin Colman, who highlighted the "disgraceful" condition of the synthetic grass courts last week, said while the council had called for expressions of interest for a new operator, no one would be interested if they had to pay the cost of fixing up the courts.

"A valuable community asset is being wasted because the council won't put in any of its own money," Mr Colman said.

Mr Colman said, by Monday this week, only Cr Macdonald and Cr Ed McDougall had responded to a letter he had written to all councillors on behalf of the tennis community.

Cr Macdonald told the Leader he supported the campaign for an upgrade.

"The courts are a great community asset and I am keen to see them stay there," he said.

"Obviously, council will be going through the expressions of interest which closed last week to see what sort of appetite there is someone coming in and doing an upgrade themselves.

"I don't believe it's the case that the council is not prepared to put in any money.

"I believe council has an open mind, but first needs to look at proposals."

Cr Macdonald said the tender documents would have included full details on the state of the courts.

Mr Colman said there had been a strong reaction in the area to revelations about the state of the courts, and support had flowed from across the district.

"I know a lot of people have emailed, and those comments have been passed on to the council," he said.

"With school returning this week, we expect further support from the local school community as well because they want to be able to use the courts."

The complex has fallen into disrepair after being abandoned by the previous lessee at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The courts are covered with algae slime and dirt, strewn with rubbish and shopping trolleys and a baseline section torn up.

Vandals also cut wire fencing and damaged players' amenities.