The tennis courts near the curling arena may not be needed any longer. The Drumheller Tennis Club is serving up plans to construct new courts here in Drumheller.
The plan had been on the Tennis Club’s agenda since its inception. Now the location has been chosen.
It is hoped by next spring, the parking lot/basketball courts at Drumheller Valley Secondary School will be transformed into a new pair of tennis courts, with a basketball court as well.
“We have definitely secured a site. It’ll be where the current parking lot and basketball court along Riverside Drive,” said Tennis Club member Jillian Augey.
There had been several locations considered, but Golden Hills School Division donated the land and, considering the beautiful location, the choice was simple.
The current courts are in rough shape and will be removed when work begins on the next phase of the Badlands Community Facility. The condition of the courts prevent schools from using them to teach tennis and are generally hard to play on.
“It’s hard to learn tennis on the current court, the ball could hit a crack or weeds and fly off in another direction. It’s not really the ideal setting for kids to learn,” said Augey. “We have some members that find the court too difficult to play on and drive to Carbon or Standard to play, which is a shame.”
It is hoped with new courts, residents will be encouraged to give tennis a shot and schools will use them to teach tennis in phys -ed classes.
“It’ll be open to everyone. We want kids and adults of all ages out playing. We’re hoping that even tourists will use it. We want it to be a really active area,” said Augey. “I’d like to bring in instructors from Tennis Alberta and hold clinics, so beginners can come out and learn how to play.”
It is estimated $150,000 will be required to build the new courts. To build the courts, everything at the chosen location would need to be ripped up and built from scratch.
“I was hoping we could resurface it, but the subsurface has shifted, so if we repaved the court, it would continue to shift and crumble,” said Augey.
To make the courts a reality, the Tennis Club will be applying for grants to alleviate the cost and ramping up fundraising efforts.
“We really need help from local residents and organizations with funding, work in kind, or volunteer,” said Augey. “If everyone gets on board, we can have it done by next spring.”
Augey can be reached 403-823-7447 or on the Drumheller Tennis Club Facebook page for anyone who is interested in helping out.
The club meets at the current courts by the Curling Arena every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come out.
