As you might be aware, the Oakland City Center gym is under new ownership and is intending to tear down the squash courts. They are part of a larger facility that used to be Active Sports, and the courts were heavily used under the guidance of local pro Rami Attalla. In addition to being home to three league teams the club also boasted 2-3 drop-in evenings per week to provide ample opportunity for players of various levels to get good matches in.
It was one of the more affordable clubs in the East Bay, easily accessible by transit, and with a generous guest policy. Active sports was a great place for those looking to get into the sport, and those unwilling or unable to pay for the country club experience of many other East Bay squash facilities.
The local players have put together a petition to try and save the courts, below is their request for anyone who plays at the club. For those who do not, feel free to still email regarding the closure and the effect it will have on the larger squash community.
If you want the squash courts to remain, here is how you can help:
1) Go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/135aq5RAiVaztM78uJzMiJ8y_SjxaEBAW8Kgp6qjErS8/edit#gid=0
2) Find your name, fill out the status (member, frequent guest, or other), how many years you have been at the club, and in the statement column what you will do with your membership if the gym no longer offers squash courts
3) If you know any members or non members squash players who should be on this list but are not, please add their names, email them if you can and share the list
4) Email melissa.wathen@theclubatcitycenter.com to express directly your opinion In addition to your direct email to the club, we intend to share this list with the gym before the end of the week to show how many members and guests they would lose by not offering squash anymore. Thank you for your timely support, we need to act fast.
The Squash Players at City Center.