Barrhead’s unofficial tennis club is getting ready for another season.
For a few years a group of diehard tennis players have been meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Barrhead tennis courts.
Martin Taylor, who most people might recognize as the Town of Barrhead’s chief administrative officer, said he and his wife, Sharon, started the informal club three years ago after Barrhead and Westlock hosted the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games.
“It started out pretty small, with my wife and I getting together with some friends to play tennis,” he said, adding other tennis players started coming by to see what was going on. “It just kind of took off from there.”
As the tennis courts became more active, the informal club of players started to attract attention from the public, including a number of people who had never played the sport before who asked to play.
It’s something the Taylors and the other players happily agreed to.
“Tennis is a great sport and it’s one we are always trying to grow,” he said, adding the group has a strong core of players. “But we are always looking for more, whether they be newcomers or competitive players.”
Taylor said the group is also trying to expand by reaching out to a similar group in Westlock, the two groups became acquainted with each other while playing indoor winter tennis at the Spirit Centre in Westlock.
On most Tuesday and Thursday evenings activities start at about 7 p.m. and go until about 10 p.m., depending on weather, daylight and how the players are feeling.
“It all depends on the weather. On hotter days, we usually wait until it cools down a bit before we start playing,” Taylor said, adding if players arrive early they can always practice their swings. The group installed a backstop that players can use as a poor man’s tennis ball machine.
Because it is an informal group, all the players chip in to make sure the courts are in proper condition.
To protect both the special playing surface and the players themselves, the courts must be periodically swept to make sure they are clear of gravel and other debris that may have blown onto the courts.
The tennis courts are located behind De Herdt Gardens. There is no fee to play, but players are asked to bring their own racquets and balls. For more information about the Barrhead Tennis Club, contact Taylor at the town office at 780-674-3301.
