Jackson City Council restores partnership at Dorothy Vest Tennis Center after community concerns
JANS – A dispute over the future of the Dorothy Vest Tennis Center has shifted toward collaboration after the Jackson City Council reversed course on its decision to end the facility’s management agreement.
The council’s initial vote in June to void the agreement with Ace to Deuce Community Tennis Association raised concerns among tennis supporters, community members, and park advocates who questioned the impact the decision could have on one of Jackson’s longtime recreational facilities.
During the council meeting, residents and supporters voiced concerns about the process and the future of the tennis center. Among those speaking was Venecca Green, president of the Friends of Battlefield Park Foundation, who questioned whether sufficient notice had been provided before the matter was brought before the council.
Green urged city leaders to consider the foundation’s years of work at Battlefield Park, including fundraising efforts, volunteer projects, capital improvements, and community programming. She emphasized that the organization’s mission extends beyond tennis and focuses on preserving and enhancing Battlefield Park as an important recreational, historic, and economic asset for Jackson residents.
Green also highlighted her economic development vision for Battlefield Park, which is included in the Great City Mississippi initiative. She said she wants to be personally included in future conversations, planning efforts, and decisions involving the park’s direction. Green emphasized that her years of involvement and investment in Battlefield Park provide valuable perspective as city leaders consider the facility’s future.
LaPeriall Jones, facility manager for the Dorothy Vest Tennis Center, also addressed the council and responded to claims that the facility had been neglected or that little activity was taking place there.
Jones disputed that description, pointing to ongoing youth tennis instruction, adult leagues, tournaments, school partnerships, and community events hosted at the center through Ace to Deuce Community Tennis Association.
“The narrative that nothing is going on at Dorothy Vest Tennis Center is simply not accurate,” Jones said, noting that the facility continues to serve players and families throughout the year.
While defending the programming at the center, Jones acknowledged that the facility faces significant challenges, particularly related to aging infrastructure.
For more than five years, malfunctioning court lighting has limited nighttime play, adult leagues, tournaments, and other activities that traditionally help generate revenue to support youth tennis programs. The center’s clay courts – the only public clay courts in Mississippi – have also experienced maintenance challenges due to years of limited funding.
Supporters said restoring those resources would help strengthen the facility’s financial sustainability. Revenue from adult leagues, tournaments, court rentals, and recreational play has historically helped fund affordable youth instruction and community programs.
Following the council’s initial decision, representatives from the City of Jackson, Ace to Deuce Community Tennis Association, and the Friends of Battlefield Park Foundation met to discuss concerns and identify a path forward.
Those discussions resulted in city leaders agreeing to continue the existing management agreement with Ace to Deuce while working with community partners on a long-term plan for Battlefield Park and the tennis center.
City officials also committed to exploring funding opportunities for needed improvements, including replacement of the lighting system, restoration of the clay courts, and other infrastructure upgrades.
The renewed partnership marks a move away from disagreement and toward cooperation among city leaders, community advocates, and tennis supporters. Stakeholders say their shared goal is to preserve the Dorothy Vest Tennis Center while creating a sustainable plan that supports youth development, competitive play, community recreation, and future growth.
For Green and other Battlefield Park advocates, the next step is ensuring that community voices remain part of the process. Green said she hopes to continue participating in discussions that shape the future of the park and contribute to a long-term vision that protects its history while expanding opportunities for recreation, economic development, and community engagement.
For members of the Jackson tennis community, the outcome demonstrates the value of communication and collaboration in protecting public spaces. Future discussions will focus on restoring the facility, expanding programming, and ensuring Battlefield Park remains a vibrant destination for generations to come.
