Nov. 9: Speak Up for Elworthy at the School Board
Mon., Nov. 9 at 7 PM, Brownell Middle School. Elworthy is not on the agenda, so we will speak during public comment.
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Grosse Pointe · Elworthy Field
Elworthy turns 100. Let us get it ready.
New tennis courts arrive in summer 2027, paid for by a $2.25 million school bond. Four donated paddle courts ship November 19. The community goal to finish the park is about $1.55 million. Giving opens when our nonprofit launches.
- league players
- 275
- on our email list
- 500
- petition signers
- 50
- years of Elworthy
- 100
The place
What changes at Elworthy
Today
Cracked courts, broken court lighting, and no restrooms or water fountain.
The plan
A community building with restrooms, new tennis courts and lighting, and additional platform tennis courts.
The numbers
About $3.8 million
Bond funds are secured. Community gifts finish the park.
$2.25 million secured. Courts, fencing, and lighting.
About $1.55 million ahead. Giving is not open yet.
| Project | Cost | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Replace 10 tennis courts and fencing | $1,900,000 | GPPSS Bond |
| LED lighting, 10 courts | $350,000 | GPPSS Bond |
| Install 2 donated paddle courts | $250,000 | Community |
| Refurbish 2 existing paddle courts | $60,000 | Community |
| Water fountain and bottle filler | $15,000 | Community |
| Seating | $10,000 | Community |
| Signage and wayfinding | $10,000 | Community |
| Community building with restrooms | $1,200,000 | Community |
| Total | about $3.8M |
Building cost depends on final scope, set with the City and District. No dedicated pickleball courts. Multisport lines on Courts 9 and 10 will allow four seasonal pickleball courts when district tennis seasons end.
The path
Timeline
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Nov. 2025
Voters approve the GPPSS bond.
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Oct. 2026
Court design is underway. The community shares feedback.
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Oct. 19, 2026
A 50-signature petition at City Council. The Council's answer: how, not whether.
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Oct. 2026
Ann Arbor Platform Tennis Club donates four courts.
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-
Nov. 19, 2026
Donated courts arrive.
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Winter 2026–27
City support for the plan. Nonprofit launches.
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Summer 2027
New tennis courts and LED lighting.
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Elworthy at 100
Community building and new paddle courts.
The neighbors
Elworthy belongs to all of us
Tennis, the tot lot, paddle, soccer, and baseball. The same park, the same century.
Plans for soccer at Elworthy.
Find it
589 St. Clair Avenue
Elworthy Field sits at St. Clair and Waterloo, in the heart of Grosse Pointe.
Organizer
Ian Studders
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build something meaningful.
Grosse Pointe Park resident of 8 years, with 3 young children who will go through GPPSS. Director of Commercial Property Management, with a master's degree in city planning. He has already partnered with municipalities, foundations, and vendors to improve public courts throughout Grosse Pointe.
From the field
Latest updates
Four Courts Are Coming to Grosse Pointe
The Ann Arbor Platform Tennis Club has given four used courts to the Grosse Pointe Paddle League. Court Pro ships them Nov. 19.
ReadElworthy in the Grosse Pointe News
On Oct. 19, platform tennis players brought a 50-signature petition to City Council. The question at City Hall is how, not whether.
ReadAnswers
Common questions
What is Friends of Elworthy?
Friends of Elworthy is a community campaign to ready Elworthy Field in Grosse Pointe for its 100th year. The park serves tennis, platform tennis, seasonal pickleball, soccer, baseball, and the Rotary tot lot.
How much will the Elworthy plan cost, and who pays?
The plan is about $3.8 million. A voter-approved GPPSS bond covers $2.25 million to replace 10 tennis courts and fencing and to install LED lighting. The community goal is about $1.55 million for two donated paddle courts, refurbished paddle courts, a water fountain, seating, signage, and a community building with restrooms.
Can I donate right now?
Not yet. The nonprofit is being formed, and Friends of Elworthy is not accepting donations. Sign up for updates and you will be told when giving opens.
When will the new courts be ready?
Four donated paddle courts arrive November 19, 2026. Two will be installed at Elworthy. New tennis courts and LED lighting are planned for summer 2027. The community building and new paddle courts come as Elworthy turns 100.
Where is Elworthy Field?
Elworthy Field is at 589 St. Clair Avenue, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, at the corner of St. Clair and Waterloo.
What is happening on November 9, 2026?
The GPPSS School Board meets Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7 PM at Brownell Middle School, 260 Chalfonte Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms. Elworthy is not on the agenda. Supporters will speak during public comment.
Show up
A full room says as much as any speech.
Monday, November 9, 7 PM, Brownell Middle School. Then stay close. We will write when giving opens.
Hear it first
Sign up and we will tell you when giving opens, and when it is time to show up.
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