City-Bixby Accord May Save Tennis Club

Bixby Ranch Co. has reached an agreement with the city on a plan that would save a popular seven-acre tennis club.

Earlier this year, Bixby had put up for sale about 23 acres of property including the club, which is zoned for commercial use.

The Old Ranch Tennis Club is considered a community center by residents of the nearby College Park East neighborhood.

Residents for years have expressed concerns that demolishing the tennis club and replacing it with residential or commercial development would change the character of their neighborhood and reduce the value of their homes.

In fact, a coalition of homeowners recently started collecting signatures to launch a recall of Councilwoman Patty Campbell, who represents the district.

Those concerns may have been eased by a memorandum of understanding between Bixby and city officials this week.

Under the agreement, which is not binding on either the city or Bixby, the tennis club would be donated to the city in exchange for some property zoning changes that would help Bixby with its development plans.

Bixby Ranch officials said the company has been losing about $100,000 a year to keep the tennis courts open and has sought ways to earn income from the property, which is near the Rossmoor Shopping Center.

Among proposals for Bixby’s property in the city are a senior citizen care facility and a business travelers hotel, officials said.

Bixby would also consider attracting a church or other organization, rather than commercial development, to the northern part of the property, City Manager Keith Till said. That would create a buffer between the neighborhood and other development, officials said.