Kudos to Park ranger’s integrity

The tennis court at the American memorial Park benefit many in the community. The courts, provided free of charge, serve to improve physical fitness, provide beneficial after-school and evening activities for citizens and serve as an important social setting.

We have been using the courts for the past seven years and are very grateful for the availability and their excellent upkeep and maintenance by the park staff.

Recently, however, a group of tennis users who ignore the clearly posted court rules, one of which designates the amount of time allotted each group of players, have caused ire amongst numerous users. This clearly posted rule of 45 minutes allotted to players when others are waiting for the court provides an ample and fair amount of time that allows all on the many court users with time to play and not to long wait.

The ignorance of the 45 minutes rule came to a head recently after nearly two months of this misuse. After watching these individuals “send” people away and “hog” the court for over two hours on most occasions, they were finally confronted. During the confrontation, they decided to call Mr. Chuck Sayon, the park’s administrator from their cellular phone. Although we were not quite sure what they expected Mr. Sayon to do when they called him, we can only speculate that they assumed that this Micronesian rabble would be brushed off as they usually managed to do themselves in the case of those waiting at their court.

Mr. Sayon did not do this. In fair fashion Mr. Sayon followed the rules and allowed US to play. Mr. Sayon was put in a tough position and we thank him for his integrity and fairness. We are not the ehte upper crust of society (as some obviously envision themselves), we do not have personal coaches, cell phones and time to go to the court at all hours to reserve it. We are regular people, like majority of the court users, who should receive the same consideration as every other court user.

Park administrators have created these rules for a reason. To ensure that as many people as possible have an opportuntty to enjoy the use of the courts. We thank all other players at the courts who show consideration to those waiting, invite others to play with them and refrain from behavior that is abhorrent and should never be tolerated at a public venue.

Thank you Chuck Sayon for your fair play and again thanks to your staff for their hardwork in keeping the courts and grounds in the always beautiful condition they are in.

Robert, Lou and Bill Hunter and Joe Etpison