PORT HUENEME : Private Operator to Run Tennis Club

Port Hueneme’s award-winning Moranda Park Tennis facility will be turned over to a private operator for three years, as part of a cost-cutting move approved by the City Council this week.

Under terms of the agreement, tennis professional Walter C. Moody will receive $700 in monthly compensation from the city as well as a portion of all membership, playing and lesson fees.

The contract specifies that the hourly fees for use of a court will remain at the old rate of $2 per person on weekdays and $3 on weeknights and weekends. The cost of annual memberships will also remain the same, ranging from $60 for those age 60 and older to $165 for a family of four.

Moody also agreed to conduct a minimum of three free tennis clinics a year to promote the game and the park.

A teaching professional at the Oxnard Tennis Center, Moody has taught tennis at clubs in Mexico and Germany as well as in the U.S. He was the head professional at Sutton East Tennis Club and director of tennis at Kutsher’s Sports Academy, both in New York.

The city agreed to pay for the maintenance of the eight tennis courts in the 21-acre park, and provide utilities.

Privatizing the park could save the city up to $60,000 a year in salary and maintenance costs, while also expanding the hours of operation and available services, said Brady Cherry, the director of Port Hueneme’s recreation and community services department.

“We feel we have a wonderful facility,” Cherry said. “What we were lacking was the type of management that Mr. Moody will provide.”

On Saturday, the city will hold an open house and barbecue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Moranda Park to introduce Moody to the public. Call 986-6555 for reservations.