On July 7, the Fergus Tennis Club hosted a community open house, barbecue and ribbon cutting event to officially open a new pickleball/junior tennis court and hitting wall at its Tower Street location.
Mayor Kelly Linton cut the ribbon and participated in the first doubles game on the new court, a game that officials say quickly became quite competitive and gave the crowd a good idea of the fun the sport offers.
Pickleball, one of the fastest growing sport in Ontario, is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
Played on a badminton size court with a whiffle ball and a short handled paddle, the game is easy to learn and players do not have to be a great athlete to participate.
It is a great way to get active, keep active and have fun at the same time, officials say.
The outdoor pickleball court, which also doubles as a junior tennis court, is the only one of its kind in the area. It complements other Fergus Tennis Club offerings, including five outdoor lighted tennis courts, a clubhouse, ball machine, table tennis and a basketball practice net.
The club offers several organized programs with something for all ages and all skill levels to enjoy, along with plenty of opportunity for open play.
Club pro Dave Rowat provides private, semi-private and group tennis lessons along with clinics, summer camps and more at the club.
Rowat represented Team Canada in the 2016 World Championships and has coached players in both the Rogers Cup and U.S. Open.
The Fergus Tennis Club is operated entirely by volunteers who have worked to make the club’s programs and facilities inclusive to all members of the community.
Memberships are available at the Fergus Sportsplex or at fergustennisclub.ca.
