Community rallies to refurbish Bodalla tennis courts

The Bodalla community will be able to enjoy tennis for many more years to come thanks to a recent collaborative effort to refurbish the courts.

Following a review of the condition of the shire’s tennis courts in 2018, Eurobodalla Council allocated funding in its 2018/19 budget to replace Bodalla’s two courts. However further investigation by specialist contractors revealed the courts would require a more comprehensive renovation.

With the project underfunded and in jeopardy, Council staff got together with the Bodalla Tennis Club committee to look at ways to find additional funding to make sure the project could go ahead.

The club sprang into action. Club president Tony Burrett said its primary focus was to make the courts look their best for the next generation, not just current players.

“The club dug deep and contributed funds raised over the past few years and also made a successful approach to Bega MP Andrew Constance, who provided $10,000 in NSW Government funding,” Mr Burrett said.

“Council was able to meet the gap and now the community will enjoy the courts for many years to come thanks to some great community collaboration.”

Mr Burrett said the courts were used at least twice a week by the club. He encouraged more community members to grab a racquet and enjoy a hit of tennis.

“Our club facilitates a fun, social environment and we would love to see new members come on board,” he said.

“Tennis is great for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing and it’s a wonderful whole-of-life sport where people can continue playing well into their later years, unlike some other sports.”

Eurobodalla Council’s recreation services manager Mark Upson encouraged Bodalla residents to make the most of the new courts.

“These new works will provide a quality tennis surface for the next 15 years and beyond, and act as a valuable sporting option for Bodalla residents and the wider community,” he said.

Bodalla tennis courts can be booked casually through Tyrrell’s Store in Bodalla. For more information about the Bodalla Tennis Club contact Michael Jones on 4473 8671.