Community fears losing Lansdowne tennis courts as City mulls disposal

The Lansdowne Tennis Club, a third-generation community hub dating back to the 1960s, is fighting to keep its courts after being informally told by City of Cape Town officials that the land has been earmarked for disposal.

On Friday August 8, interim chairperson Liuschen Ackerman met with Athlone News at the courts to highlight their deteriorating condition and explain how the uncertainty is affecting members.

She pointed out cracked surfaces, loose patches, and uneven areas that have already caused injury - including a recent incident where a woman fell and hurt her knee while playing.

“These courts are an asset to the community. Parents want to sign up, kids are interested, and the club is growing. We cannot allow them to be taken away from our children,” Ms Ackerman said.

Revived in February this year under new leadership, the club has quickly become a vibrant gathering place for the community. Every Thursday, volunteer coaches offer free sessions to teach disadvantaged children tennis skills.

On Wednesdays, children’s tennis provides a safe, supervised space for pupils to practice and play, an important alternative to boredom and potential criminal influences, Ms Ackerman said.

She added that the letter to the mayor was a direct appeal to halt the planned disposal of the courts, stressing that while there are no gangs in the immediate area, children could still fall victim to opportunistic crime.

In a letter to the City on Monday, June 23, the interim committee appealed for the withdrawal of a summons issued on Thursday, June 5 over arrears from 2021 to 2022, incurred under the club’s previous leadership, Ms Ackerman said.

The club, which has no income, had relied on donations to reduce the debt.

Ms Ackerman confirmed this week that the City’s attorneys have since been instructed to close the account, withdraw legal action, and write off the arrears and legal fees. A petition in support of the club has already gathered 550 signatures.

Ward 60 councillor Mark Kleinschmidt said the courts had been dormant for some time before his tenure. 

“When I became ward councillor, I enquired with Recreation and Parks officials and was told the property directorate is the custodian. I’ve asked that the courts be transferred back to Recreation and Parks and upgraded for community use. I await their feedback,” he said.

Despite the legal relief, the looming threat of disposal remains, Ms Ackerman said, adding that she is expected to meet with City officials at the courts, but no formal time has been confirmed.

The club has also sent a letter to the mayor requesting a meeting, with the date still to be announced.

“Our community has connected these courts for decades. They’ve produced talent, built friendships, and kept young people active. To lose them now would be a tragedy,” she said.