Label
PYS Dedication of Tennis Court at Jermain Park
Parks and Youth Services
Joe Fausnaugh (3884)
Title
Memorializing the life of Zacharias Barden and naming Tennis Court 4 at Jermain Park the “Zacharias Barden Memorial Court.”
Body
WHEREAS, Zacharias (“Zach”) Barden was a long-term resident of Toledo who was born on July 19, 1981 to Thomas Barden and Rayna Zacharias, and passed away on November 8, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Zach’s lifelong passion was tennis. He learned to play on the public courts at Jermain Park. Zach would often leave to play at Jermain in the early morning and not return until nightfall. He attended Toledo Public Schools through junior high school and St. Francis de Sales for high school, where he played on the varsity team. After briefly attending Case Western Reserve University, Zach returned to his hometown to attend the University of Toledo where he played on the NCAA Division I Tennis team, captaining the team his senior year and graduating in 2004. After college, Zach worked for the Toledo-based healthcare education company, Healthy Interactions, before earning his MBA at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
WHEREAS, Zach was a fixture in the local Toledo tennis community, competing in high school and college tennis, and later adult recreational leagues and tournaments at the highest level. He was a tennis professional at Perrysburg Tennis Center and Shadow Valley Tennis Club, before founding Launchpad Tennis with his brother Daniel Barden in 2020. Launchpad Tennis is a 5-court indoor tennis facility that also operates out of The Toledo Tennis Club over summers.
WHEREAS, as Launchpad Tennis’s Director of Tennis and Toledo Tennis Club’s Head Pro, Zach not only coached, but befriended and offered guidance and support to hundreds of adult and junior players. At Launchpad, Zach fostered a community of more than one hundred members, thousands of customers, and a staff of more than twenty, including Coach Matthew Damschroder, who grew up and learned the game with Zach at Jermain Park.
WHEREAS, as a beloved coach and role model, Zach always taught the importance of integrity, character, and hard work to his students. He was a mentor to countless children and young adults in the Toledo Tennis community and was well-liked and respected by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the life of Zacharias Barden is hereby recognized and memorialized, by naming Tennis Court 4 at Jermain Park to be the “Zacharias Barden Memorial Court,” and that his many contributions to our community be lauded and condolences be extended to his family and friends on the loss of their loved one.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 10, nays 0.
Adopted: June 18, 2024, as an emergency measure: yeas 10, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Carrie Hartman
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: June 18, 2024
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor