By Geoff Ayton
The spring weather is bringing everyone outside again, and one of the best ways to do that is to get out and play tennis. Creemore boasts two excellent tennis courts, set in the east corner of Gowan Park on Edward Street East. The Creemore Tennis Club maintains the courts and offers tennis programs to encourage both novice and seasoned players to get out and play.
The Creemore Tennis Club was formed back in the 1980s, when it played on the old municipal courts where the new Fire Hall is now located. The new courts were built about 13 years ago; a cooperative effort between the Tennis Club, the Peter Barnard family and Clearview township. Peter was an accomplished tennis player, and was passionate about the game. After his death, his family sponsored a variety of fundraising efforts and generously provided the financial means to build the courts. The Club was a minor partner in financing the courts, but has assumed the responsibility of fostering tennis play in the community. Keyed access to the courts is essential to maintain the finished surface, which could be easily damaged through multi-use activities.
Over the years there have been a number of tournaments and other tennis activities that have generated a solid club base. Creemore Tennis Club now has over 100 members, with a wide range of skill and tennis experience, but there is always room for more members.
To start the season, the club is offering PLAYnlearn for six weeks. PLAYnlearn is provided through the coaching staff of Simcoe Tennis. These are certified coaches with both the experience and enthusiasm to work with children, novice and seasoned players. PLAYnlearn is at 1 pm for children ages 7 to 13. The adult PLAYnlearn starts at 2 pm for one hour. Cost is $10 per lesson. If you have wanted to learn how to play the game, this is your chance. If you want to refine your ground game or practice your serve, take advantage of the excellent coaches we have secured for our spring and summer programs. Remember, improving your game increases your enjoyment.
The Creemore Tennis Club is also offering the kids summer tennis camps, as they have for the last two years. Dates for the camps (for kids ages 8 to 13), are Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11, and Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15. The camp has been a tremendous success in the past; kids have fun learning and playing the game of tennis. The game is modified for children with smaller courts and larger softer tennis balls. The half-day sessions are injected with fun activities and games.
Women’s doubles tennis night is Tuesday, and men’s is Thursday, both at 6 pm. Mixed doubles is Sunday morning at 9 am. Memberships and keys are available at the Curiosity Bookstore. For more information, contact Geoff Ayton at 705-466-2005 or gwayton@rogers.com.
Geoff Ayton is President of the Creemore Tennis Club.