After 10 long years of planning and fundraising, Kyneton and District Tennis Club had good reason for a celebration late last Thursday afternoon. The club’s six aged courts have been replaced with four modern grass courts and two safe and compliant hard courts.
And on top of that, lights have been installed – a great boost to a club with an ever increasing membership, particularly among the junior ranks.
“The $640,000 project has taken almost 10 years of planning and fundraising,” club president Simon Meadows said at the celebration opening of the new courts.
“Kyneton District Tennis Club raised and contributed $220,000 following many years of events, fundraising, and growth in participation and membership.
“The project was co-funded by Macedon Ranges Shire Council ($370,000) who have been fantastic in their engagement and support throughout, and Tennis Australia ($50,000)”.
As well as organising highly successful fundraising events, Simon said the KDTC committee developed a strategy of participation growth and enhanced community engagement and it got the results.
Across the past eight years junior coaching at the club has increased to more than 150 students each week and junior competition has tripled. Meanwhile social participation and the various competition groups of all ages and abilities have also grown to the point where it was beyond the capacity of the facility.
“Tennis is a very popular sport, and the Kyneton club has continued to open up its facilities to the diverse requirements of the community. This engagement, along with amazing support from club volunteers, club sponsors, significant fundraising projects, and diligent financial and strategic management of the club have provided the ability to partner with MRSC and Tennis Victoria to develop the facilities to provide world class courts for the community,” Simon said.
The club also, as always, welcomes adults looking to try out tennis or get involved at the club through the new social program launched at this year’s Australian Open, the new social Open Court Sessions, which involve lots of relaxed fun. Volunteers wishing to get involved are also welcome. (www.kynetontennis.com.au)
Photos: Nathan Said – Focused On Photo
