Tai Chi Courts

[GeneChing]

I wonder what the design of this court will look like if it happens.

State senator wants $40k in public funds to build tai chi court
By: Alan Suderman
Examiner Staff Writer
January 8, 2010

A Montgomery County state senator is seeking $40,000 in public funds to build a tai chi court at Cabin John Regional Park.

A bill proposed by Sen. Robert Garagiola would allow the state Board of Public Works to borrow up to $40,000 and award that money to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, which would have to match the funds.

About 15 to 30 people practice tai chi at the park every Saturday morning, according to Joanne Chang, a proponent of the court.

The idea for a park came after David Chen, a longtime tai chi instructor who led free classes at Cabin John every Saturday, died in 2005, according to Charles Votaw, a member of a group raising funds to build the court.

Votaw said friends of Chen from around the country started sending money in his honor, and Chen's former students decided to use the money to build a court.

"People loved him -- that's what happens when you're nice to people and you share," Votaw said.

Chang said a committee of tai chi enthusiasts is trying to raise the matching funds, bringing in about $25,000 so far. State taxes would be used to pay off the principal and interest of the loan given to the M-NCPPC.

The court would be a circle 40 feet in diameter made with black and white flagstone, making a large yin and yang symbol on the surface of the court. Plans call for benches and trees to be placed along the edge of the court.

Construction plans have been approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board, but convincing state lawmakers to approve using public funds for a tai chi court might be a hard sell.

Maryland is facing a $2 billion budget deficit during the next fiscal year, and Gov. Martin O'Malley said severe cuts to state agencies are likely without help from the federal government.

Garagiola could not be reached for comment, but advocates of the court is a good use of public funds because it would add value to the park and the surrounding area.

"A little bit of an educated investment will go a long way," Votaw said.

He said that if state money isn't available, his group would look for corporate sponsorships or individual donations.

[Egg fu young]

Thats cool.

[cerebus]

Probably will look like a large tennis court. Minus the nets.

[kfson]

The long versions of Chen and Yang use a lot of space in all directions. I think the later styles have more of a linear flow. If this is a space for small crowds to use, something like a football field would be best.
Anything like a Bagua or Taichi pattern plan would seem to be for only one practitioner.

Trees, resting, and watching areas are a must.

[uki]

it should be all stone and flagstone... nice stone benches to rest on, stone columns in foot work patterns, a bagua circle incorporated into the patio via red bricks... ahhhh... i can see it now... glad i have built my own in the front yard.

[GLW]

Seems a waste of money to me.

a circle of diameter 40 ft is not enough room for 15 to 30 people to practice on. So they either have a subset on the court or none...and someone gets to practice in the mud after a rain no matter what you do.

A smaller rest area with stretching bars, seating, and such, and a Chinese motif would serve better.