A ‘Tiger Turf Advantage Pro’ specialised synthetic grass tennis surface has recently been installed on the two courts at Boyle Tennis Club, to the delight of it’s many members.
The club, which is situated at the rear of Boyle Family Resource Centre at Knocknashee, has a proud tradition darting back to 1935 and is currently going from strength to strength.
The new surface cost in the region of €40,000 and was funded through a grant of €27,292 from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport through the Sports Capital Programme and various club fund raising activities which generated a further €8,000.
Tennis club funds have also been invested to make up the shortfall to bring the project through to completion.
Speaking to Boyletoday.com, Club Chairperson Fiona Parker explained the benefit of the new surface: “Perhaps the biggest advantage of this synthetic grass surface is that it is safer due to the ability to play in or after wet weather, with minimal risk of slipping. The tarmac courts biggest downfall were their weather dependency – if it was raining or had rained the courts became slippery and dangerous to play on. The tarmac courts needed time to dry out before safe play was possible, however with the new synthetic grass court surfaces we should see an increase in the available playing hours and season. Another benefit of the new surfaces is they are softer than tarmac and therefore easier on everyone’s knee and hip joints, good news for all ages!”.
Speaking on the club’s future plans Fiona said: “The plan is to grow the membership and the number of people playing tennis in Boyle and surrounds. The membership numbers have been growing steadily over the last few years but there is still plenty of court capacity and we are open and would welcome any new members. The physical and social health benefits of playing tennis have been well documented. Our membership rates are reasonable and low income rates are always available, if anyone requires any further information please email [email protected]”.
“Going forward, the most logical next step for the tennis club in terms of facilities would be to install floodlighting on the two courts, extending playing time further. However this is a costly process and would probably require another sports capital grant application, so may be a little while away. More imminent attention may need to be given to the clubhouse roof. There have been a number of improvements made to both the condition and accessibility of the clubhouse over the last number of years. It is now wheelchair accessible, complete with accessible toilet facilities and is a great asset to have, carrying out roof repairs would secure the building for the future” explained Fiona.
In conclusion Fiona said “The club would like to express their thanks to Minister Frank Feighan for all his help with the Sports Capital Grant. Thank you also to all the local businesses who sponsored signs which will soon be seen courtside. Finally the club would like to thank the public and especially its members who supported fundraising efforts in various forms throughout last year. Also a huge thank you to anyone who has supported us in any way”.
