Park & Recreation Board

July 5, 2001

Dear Commissioner,

The Minnesota State Handball Association (MSHA) respectfully requests the Park Board consider adding outdoor, three-wall handball/racquetball courts to one or more of its parks. Outdoor courts can provide an opportunity for exercise and sportsmanship at a very low cost - ideal for inner-city youth. The only special equipment needed by the players is a ball for handball. (Other recommended gear includes protective eyewear and gloves.) Outdoor facilities for these sports are non-existent in the Minneapolis area.

The MSHA can provide instruction and exhibitions in coordination with a park program developed around the use of these facilities. In addition we can arrange with the United States Handball Association to provide basic equipment (gloves, eyeguards, balls) and instructional materials through their youth program.

The courts are similar in nature to traditional indoor facilities, except with no back wall and only a partial roof. They are best constructed of concrete and are approximately 20 feet wide by 40 feet long with 20 foot high walls on three sides. The back is open with a playing apron of 20-30 feet. Courts can be constructed side-by-side or back-to-back. For best conditions, the back end of the courts should open to the south. It may be desirable to build these facilities against a backdrop of trees or adjacent to another building to soften the visual impact of the 20 foot high structure. As with any sport or outdoor activity, a convenient source of drinking water and sanitary facilities is a plus.

We would be glad to discuss details, answer any questions, and to work with the Park Board on potential sites and programs for three-wall handball.

The Minnesota State Handball Association has more than 600 members and is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of handball in the state of Minnesota. The MSHA sponsors four state championship handball tournaments during the year. To maximize participation, the MSHA runs a variety of divisional championships in both singles and doubles formats. With appropriate facilities, we could include a three-wall program. For more information, see our WEB site at http://members.aol.com/MNhandball

I can be reached at 330-6427 (w) or 377-0272 (h) or e-mail MNHandball@aol.com.

Sheldon Silberman

Secretary

Minnesota State Handball Association