KENDALL Tennis Club's three new tennis courts are set to be completed in time for the arrival of the Australian Open trophies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The treasured silverware will make the trip from Melbourne Park as part of the club's win in the Australian Open Blitz competition. Kendall has been top of the Tennis Australia-run competition for two years running, taking out this year's competition with their player Novak Djokovic.
Equally exciting for local tennis fans will be the official opening of the three new courts in Orara Street, adjacent to the pool. Planning for a fun-filled official opening celebration on Saturday August 22 is well underway.
For Wendy Hudson and the Kendall Tennis Club team it's been a 10 year battle for more courts in Kendall, with the first round of funding allocated in 2005. Given their growing membership now exceeds 300, the club is thrilled their players will soon have access to six courts in total.
"This is an exciting time, not only for the club, but for the Kendall community," Wendy Hudson said.
"The club has raised over $200,000 itself towards the project, with other project partners Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, NSW Government, Tennis Australia and Multisport Concepts also contributing."
"Key to making this project possible has been the support of many generous local tradesmen," Wendy added.
The next challenge for the dynamic Kendall tennis team will managing operations over two locations.
"The next few months won't all be smooth sailing, with the committee having to manage two separate centres, and the amenities block and club rooms still to be built on the new site," Wendy said.
Committee members Roger McCosker, John Manderson and Phil Robinson were on-site with Wendy last week inspecting the new courts. A break in the weather is now needed so court lines and lighting can be installed.
The official opening on August 22 is open to everyone and will feature fun activities, food stalls, special guests, plus the chance to be photographed with the trophies.
"It's a great opportunity to check out the new courts, which are blue just like the Australian Open surface," Wendy concluded.