The matter of “for profit” activities occurring in West U’s municipal spaces was identified as a Management Priority in the City’s 2021-2022 Strategic plan. Since then, the topic has had considerable discussion by the City’s Staff, Parks and Recreation Board, and Tennis & Pickleball Committee. City Council unanimously passed the second and final reading of the ordinance regulating commercial activities at its August 8 meeting, with an effective date of October 1, 2022. The Parks and Recreation Department strives to deliver various programs and activities in an equitable manner for all West U residents. The ordinance and related trial policy serve as a starting point for addressing the matter of “for profit” activities taking place in municipal spaces. As such, the following trial policy will begin on October 1, 2022. The trial policy will serve through fall 2022 and spring 2023, the two busiest timeframes for tennis court use, but this timeframe is subject to change as circumstances deem necessary. The policy may be subject to modification after evaluation of the trial period:
West U Residents Taking Tennis or Pickleball Lessons/Playing with Pros
West U residents will continue to book courts through the website, using the current reservation policy (no more than 3 hours in a 72 hour period). Starting October 1, when residents reserve a court, they will select from a short menu whether or not they are playing without a coach/instructor. If playing with a coach/instructor, residents will be required to fill out additional information listing their tennis instructor’s name and any other players joining them. More specific/detailed information and step by step instructions to come on this process.
- Lessons may not exceed 4 participants.
- Resident must follow the rules and regulations outlined in the City’s Tennis Policies.
- Resident must actively participate during the lesson and may not turn over the court to non-reservation holders for additional lessons.
- Resident must have a confirmed reservation receipt during any lesson with an instructor.
For-Profit Instructors
Paid instructors will be required to obtain a Special Facility Use Instructor Permit from the City of West University Place. For more information, please contact Program Specialist Lisa Cearfoss at lcearfoss@westutx.gov.
Terms include, but are not limited to:
- Permittee will pay the City 20% of the total gross revenue from teaching any tennis and/or pickleball related activities at permitted locations in West U. Instructor’s rates will be listed in the permit.
- Permittee will be required to provide the City with current insurance per City’s specifications.
- All employees and volunteers working for the Permittee must have criminal background checks done by the City’s Human Resources Department, prior to starting employment and rechecked annually. Employees/volunteers must also be covered under Permittee’s insurance.
- Permittee will provide a bi-weekly report to the City, including dates and times of lessons, how much they charged per person per lesson, and the names of the participants at each lesson.
- A waiver must be signed by each participant on a yearly basis. The waiver will be valid for 365 days; after this timeframe the participant will be required to sign a new waiver. The City will provide the permittee with these waivers to give out to their participants. It’s the Permittee’s responsibility to bring any new waivers in each month upon payment.
- Simultaneous lessons on multiple courts will not be allowed.
- Permittee must display Permit in designated location during each lesson.
- Permittee must follow the rules and regulations
outlined in the City’s Tennis Policies. - Permittee will be limited in the number of back-to-back lessons allowed per day. No more than 1.5 hours of consecutive instructional time without a 1 hour break in between.
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please email recstaff@westutx.gov by September 13, 2022. The Parks and Recreation Board will be meeting on September 14, 2022, to discuss the recommended changes.