Soccer Upgrades

Friends of Elworthy is committed to improving Elworthy’s grass fields and amenities for the benefit of soccer players, families, and leagues. Soccer leagues like Eastside FC have grown dramatically over the past decade, and the soccer fields and amenities have not improved at the same rate. Friends of Elworthy has discussed a number of possible improvements with Eastside FC parents and we feel that the soccer-specific improvements listed below are possible to include in Phase 2 of the plan, which would be funded via private donations. Soccer-related Upgrades:

• Access to the Community Building w/ Public Restrooms:

• The community building will be open for public use during practices, games, tournaments, and rain-delays. This building will be frequently used by soccer players, parents, and family, and available for rental for tournaments, parties, and other events.

• Improved Coordination with the City, Little League, and HS Baseball Team:

• Although GPPSS owns Elworthy and has primary access to the SE baseball field in the spring, we feel that better coordination could result in spring soccer leagues being able to use Elworthy. Currently there is no spring soccer at Elworthy.

• Field Maintenance Improvements:

• Field conditions will be improved via formal, committee-level discussions between Friends of Elworthy, the City of GP, GPPSS, and Eastside FC. Elworthy Field currently has no dedicated budget and limited funding for field maintenance.

• Additional Field Size Options by Removing SW Corner Baseball Field:

• By removing the seldom used baseball field in the SW corner of the grass field, there will be additional grass area that can be used for larger soccer fields (9v9) and

Vote YES for the GPPSS Bond on November 4, 2025 to support Elworthy Field Improvements!

2025 GPPSS Bond Basics If you support improvements at Elworthy Field, and value the many other worthwhile project at our school buildings that the bond funds (link), then please consider voting YES on November 4, 2025 for the GPPSS bond. This proposed $120,000,000 bond does not increase the current millage rate because it replaces an existing bond that is set to expire. The following Elworthy Field tennis projects are approved to be funded by the GPPSS bond:

• Replace 10 cracked asphalt tennis courts with new high-end, post-tensioned concrete courts.
• Replace the broken court lights with new LED fixtures and light poles for all 10 courts.
• Replace the old perimeter fencing surrounding the courts with new, improved fencing.

There are also many other key projects that will be funded via the 2025 bond:

• Replacing boilers,
• Installing air conditioning in key areas around the district,
• Building outdoor turf fields at GP South and GP North,
• Building a Grosse Pointe South Media Center,
• Relocating the Grosse Pointe South main office,
• Renovating the Grosse Pointe North Art Studio & TV Production Area,

The Bond is an important part of the larger plan to improve Elworthy Field. The District’s investment into the tennis courts will spur individual donations and foundation funding. November 4th Election Info:

Important Dates:

• October 20, 2025: Last day to register to vote online or by mail.
• November 3, 2025: Last day for in-person absentee voting.
• November 4, 2025: Election Day (polling places open 7am-8pm)

Use this link below to verify that you are registered to vote, confirm your Election Day and early voting polling place (location), and other key info: Source: Index

Excitement, Progress, and the Path to Victory for Elworthy Tennis!

We have some fantastic news to share about Elworthy Tennis! The Bond Advisory Committee has unanimously approved $2.25 million to renovate the tennis courts and landscaping as part of the upcoming November 2025 bond proposal. This is a huge milestone and shows the strong support from our community leaders.

Community Voices: Student Athletes and Coaches

It was inspiring to hear from Katelin Strong, captain of the girls' team who recently won regionals undefeated, share her passion for tennis and the need for better facilities. Oscar DeLuca, a standout on the boys' team, also spoke about how much the courts mean to him and his teammates. Their dedication—and the heartfelt support from coaches Brian Kean and Kevin Daly—made it clear how important these upgrades are for our student athletes.

A Tradition of Community Involvement

Even more uplifting was seeing the entire community come together in support of Elworthy. Hearing a local historian remind us of how the Platform Tennis courts were originally built through community effort reminded us that this spirit of involvement is alive and well today.

What the Bond Will Fund

This bond funding will replace all 10 asphalt courts with durable post-tensioned concrete, upgrade fencing and net posts, and install new LED lighting on every court. While the bond doesn't include some desired amenities like a community building with restrooms, a working water fountain, additional platform tennis courts, or improved spectator seating, this is a major victory and the foundation for making Elworthy a top-notch park for generations to come.

We know we can raise the funds needed for those additional improvements by rallying our community and private donors in the future.

Next Steps: November 2025 Vote

The next big step is the vote on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025. The bond still needs to be approved by the voters of the Grosse Pointe Communities to make these improvements a reality. I encourage everyone to get informed, show up, and vote. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade Elworthy Tennis and support our schools and community.

Together, we can keep the momentum going and create a lasting legacy for Elworthy Field that benefits students, residents, and the entire tennis community.

Michael Newman

Park resident, dad of 2 elementary children, Rotarian, tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball player

Elworthy Community Project Launches

We are excited to announce the official launch of the Elworthy Community project! This initiative aims to transform Elworthy Field into Michigan's premier public youth tennis venue while preserving its rich history and community value.

Key Objectives

• Upgrade existing tennis courts with modern, durable surfaces
• Install proper lighting for evening play
• Add comfortable seating and viewing areas
• Create a welcoming community space for all ages
• Preserve the historical significance of Elworthy Field

Next Steps

1. Community engagement meetings
2. Detailed planning and design phase
3. Fundraising campaign launch
4. Construction timeline development

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through this exciting project!

Vote YES November 4, 2025 - Support GPPSS Bond & Elworthy Improvements

Zero Tax Rate Increase - $2.25M for Elworthy Tennis Courts

The November 4, 2025 bond proposal represents a zero tax rate increase opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure improvements across GPPSS, including $2.25 million specifically allocated to Elworthy Field tennis court improvements.

Key Statistics

• 84% success rate for zero tax-rate increase bonds
• $2.25 Million allocated to Elworthy Field improvements
• November 4, 2025 - Election Day
• 3.14 mills - Current debt millage rate (no increase)

Learn About the Bond | Vote November 4 | Bond FAQ

The Courts Our Kids Deserve

They deserve better. Help us transform Elworthy into Michigan's best public community and youth sports venue.