CLUB HISTORY
Blackburn Tennis Club Over the Years
In 1967 a recreational area called Bearbrook Park was established in Blackburn Hamlet, to include tennis courts, a ball diamond, swimming pool, volleyball etc. However, it was 1974 before construction started on the tennis facility, after permission was obtained from the public school board to use a parcel of their property. The 4 courts opened in 1975 and the new tennis committee limited registration to 600 people, with a waiting list in place. Play period was 30 minutes, and the public was allowed to play free from 5 – 7 pm each day. Ladders and league tennis were popular, as well as the “Ladies Day” round robins. Free instruction was offered early in the season, indoors in school gymnasiums, and was always fully booked.
In 1976 an Adult Membership was $10, Family Membership $24. and Junior $5. $13,989 was collected that year. The first social event was a dinner at the RA Center and club championships were awarded for the season. In 1977, after complaints regarding noise and lights, closing time was changed from midnight to 11pm. In 1978, membership was at 1150 people and the “Tennis Committee” asked for $52,541 to expand the facility. However it took several more years before the two additional courts (#5 & 6) were functional.
During this time the “clubhouse” was a builder’s utility shack, with a “port o’ potty” on the side! Finally in 1989 the existing clubhouse was erected, after a loan of $22,000 was provided by the city. The club paid this back over five years, even holding bake sales and Christmas tree sales on the side. Fees were then Adult $50, Family $90,and Couple $65. Also this year half day Junior Tennis Camps were initiated. In 1992 membership was 720, gradually trending downward from previous years. “Ladies Day” became the popular Daytime Mixed Round Robin. During this time social events, including Davis Cup, Over 50 Tournament, Club Championships, and Wimbledon Brunch were well attended.
By 1997 it was becoming more and more difficult to fill Board positions, and in protest the entire executive, which had been serving for many terms, resigned. A memo was sent out to club members advising that, with no functional board to run the club, the City of Gloucester would be taking over what would then become public courts. By 1998 all positions were filled and disaster was averted.
In 2001 the four original courts were totally rebuilt and courts 5 and 6 were resurfaced. In 2002 the new parking lot was paved. Court monitors were paid $8.00 an hour the next year. In 2009 it was decided a free honorary life membership would be awarded to anyone over the age of 85, of which there were three or four at the time. Membership was down by 80 people, with a good proportion of members being seniors. A push was on to attract more juniors and families, with after school and PD programs instituted. However it was 2011 before a full day Tennis and Swim Camp was established, in conjunction with Bearbrook Pool.
In 2010 the interior of the clubhouse was totally renovated before the start of the season, with a new floor, well equipped kitchen, and an accessible bathroom added.
Alarmed with decreasing membership, volunteers delivered over 2000 promotional flyers to homes in the Blackburn and Pineview communities, which helped stabilize the Club.
Covid (2020) brough operational challenges as the City and the world we figuring out how to deal with this pandemic. Thankfully, tennis was deemed a safe activity and the Board at that time took the opportunity to introduce online registration and payments for memberships.
Keeping the courts in good condition has required careful shepherding of the club’s savings, as the city no longer pays for this upkeep. The Courts were repaired and resurfaced in 2008 and 2018. In spite of the popularity of other racquet sports, we have a vibrant club with popular programs, summer camps much appreciated by parents, and a membership remaining above 350. A facility well-loved in the community and beyond.