LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Member Jennifer Brahier
SUBJECT:
title
NAMING A COURT AT ROGER SCOTT TENNIS CENTER IN HONOR OF MARIO ALVAREZ.
end
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve the naming of a tennis court at Roger Scott Tennis Center in honor of Mario Alvarez.
end
body
HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
Mr. Alvarez started playing tennis around 1967, while in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Hawaii. By 1976 he was mastering the game, and as such was made a member of the All-Navy Tennis team. He competed alongside other notable Pensacola residents such as Ralph “Skeeter” Carson (The tennis facility at The University of West Florida is named in his honor).
In the mid-1980’s, while the residents Tennis Pro at NAS Pensacola, Mario began hosting monthly tennis tournaments at the base. These tournaments were well received, and over the years have transitioned to the courts at Bayview Park, and are still as popular a tournament as ever after 3+ decades.
Mario has been a teaching pro for over 40 years. He has impacted thousands of people with his common-sense approach to the game. Mario’s heart is all about giving back to the community, through programs such as:
• Special Olympics
• Pollack Kids & Wheelchair Tennis
• Tennis Across America
• Racquet Round-Up
Due to Mario’s lifelong involvement in teaching tennis professionally over the years, he was awarded the lifetime Member of the USPTA by the United States Professional Tennis Association.
Mario has helped MANY junior ranked tennis players earn scholarships to various colleges and universities, and has assisted local high school teams to win district competitions.
Mario is the last actively playing, founding member of the Under The Hill League at the Roger Scott Tennis Center. He initially served on the Executive Committee, then as a captain and player. In the 33 years that this league has existed part of the league’s overall success was having Mario’s leadership and enthusiasm ever-present. At 82 years old, he is still on the court every Monday of every UTHL session, competing, teaching and inspiring those around him.
Annually, Mario is still active in helping and playing in the Senior Games, at both the local and national levels. His highest Senior Games national ranking for his age group was #6 in Singles and #1 in doubles.
This request seeks to name Court 7 in honor of Mario Alvarez.
PRIOR ACTION:
November 18, 2021 - Parks and Recreation Board approved this request.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Any costs not borne by the requestor, or the requestor’s organization will be assumed by the Parks and Recreation Department.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Park Amenity Dedication Form - Mario Alvarez
2) 11-18-21 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes
PRESENTATION: No