The tennis courts at Redan Park in Lithonia are plagued with cracks that spread in all different directions, but there are no plans to improve the two courts, which are more than a decade old.

The large and small cracks have residents that live near the park up in arms and frustrated.

Tonja Tucker-Suber, a resident of the Evergreen subdivision about a mile away, said the tennis courts' appearance has been a subject of frustration for the community.

"The court in this condition has limited playing," said Tucker-Suber, whose three youngest sons play sports at the park. "The cracks are not just an eyesore but a safety hazard for our younger players. Grass and miniature trees are attempting to grow in the larger cracks."

Tucker-Suber said the community also wants benches around the court for spectators, windscreen netting and two large court sweepers or squeegees to wipe water off the court after it rains.

DeKalb County Parks and Recreation deputy director Marvin Billups said there are no current plans to renovate the two tennis courts because of funding. Instead, he said, Parks and Recreation is finalizing construction documents to begin revitalizing the park.

Billups said work crews will begin construction on a new $5.7 million Redan Recreation Center at the park either in the late summer or early fall.

"The intent is to build a recreation facility with a gymnasium, indoor track, fitness center, multipurpose rooms, a game room and an arts and craft room," he said. "Additionally, a concession facility will be built to support the athletic fields at the rear of the park."

Billups said that $700,000 that was allocated to the park for park improvements in 2003 went to the funding for the recreation center instead.

When the recreation center is completed, it will be one of 12 in DeKalb. Others include the Browns Mill Recreation Center, the Tobie Grant Center and the Midway Recreation Center.

Tucker-Suber, who gives free tennis lessons to girls at the park, said building a multimillion-dollar center, but not fixing the tennis courts, seems crazy.

"Why would you put millions of dollars into that park to build a gym and the tennis court that is right next to the gym cannot be played on?" she asked. "It is just common sense stuff they are overlooking."

She said tennis is a good activity for girls at the park.

To voice her concern about the condition of the tennis courts, Tucker-Suber started an online petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/redanpark. At press time the petition had 125 signatures.

She said that community members want the recreation facility to be built, but are baffled that the tennis courts cannot be fixed.

"It does not cost that much to revitalize the court," she said. "We love our park we are not going to do anything crazy like picket the park, but we are going to keep petitioning because it is our tax money being used for this gym."

What they're saying

Comments posted on the online petition seeking improvements at Redan Park:

"This is long overdue. It's shameful to pass the new Deshon Park and look at Redan and wonder why we haven't been upgraded."

"This is not acceptable in the white neighborhoods."

"This is long overdue. I work in the Dunwoody area and I look at the parks and trails in that area and wonder how is it that one county can have such disparities...."

"When I travel to other parks in the more affluent areas I see a huge difference with the upkeep of the park. I want the same amenities at my local park."

"We greatly need this makeover. Let's bring this park up to Gwinnett County park standards! Thanks!"

"Where is all the money going if all of this is needed for Redan Park, then what about the other parks that need attention too?"

To sign the petition for improvements at Redan Park, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/redanpark.