An ace time to be a tennis player in Kingussie and wider strath
Kingussie’s blaise tennis courts will be in fine playing condition for larger parts of the year now thanks to the town club’s latest addition.
A water sprinkling system has been installed at the courts off Ardbroilach Road.
And whilst many people might think that the hot weather could never be a problem, especially after this past summer, they would be wrong.
The courts can dry out very quickly if not watered regularly leading to much tougher playing conditions.
This will no longer be a problem for the club with the process now available at the flick of a switch.
Related articles:
Ace windfall for community projects across Badenoch and Strathspey
PICTURES: Best of the action from Kingussie’s Fast 4 tournament
Kenny Deans, lead development trustee on the committee, said: “This year's initiative has seen work undertaken on the playing surface.
“The extremely dry conditions last year which proved to be a real challenge has ultimately become the stimulus for this year's project.
“The sprinkler project allows the club to remotely operate an irrigation system across one or all all of the courts.
“This can be done at any time and the club are able to water early morning and late evening when necessary to get the greatest benefit from the use of water.”
Mr Deans said the project had proved to be ‘invasive and challenging’ but they were delighted with the end result.
He said: “We have achieved an outcome that is working for players at all levels providing a safe and accessible facility that has a consistent surface that players enjoy playing on.”
As part of the initiative the club has installed a new remote access entry system using unique one time codes to all users.
This works for members and non-members alike and the system means booking and paying electronically from anywhere.
Both are just the latest jobs to be ticked off the to do list by the club’s active committee and members.
They have been very busy ensuring the facility and clubhouse are fit for purpose after signing a lease for the site with Highland Council in 2021 to enable improvements.
Activities have included ensuring access to toilet for all those booking a court when the clubhouse is locked up.
There has been a refurbishment of the clubhouse inside and out including fitting a new kitchen; installing hot water to the kitchen and new floor coverings.
Additionally a full re-wire was undertaken and modern heating installed at the historic premises.
With the kind support from Gallery Eleven41 and Ed Smith and sponsorship from John Robertson, the historic photos around the clubhouse were re-photographed and enhanced and re-framed for posterity.
Back on court, there have been a number of promotional activities to encourage greater use of the facilities.
This has included the provision of coaching including for youngsters as well as 'rusty racquets' for adult returners.
The club has said big thank-you to those who have ‘recognised the ambition of a small and rural club to continue to develop the facility’.
Highland Council provided the major support but the project also attracted Community Lottery funding as well as critical input from Kingussie Community Development Company.
Tennis club president Chris Donald described the upgrade to the town’s tennis facilities as ‘a fantastic step forward’.
He said: “Not only does it provide a top-notch venue for players to train and compete but it also serves as a community hub where people can come together to enjoy the game.
“This project reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sports in promoting health, community spirit, and local talent.
“It's an exciting time for tennis fans and players, and the future of the sport looks brighter than ever in the area.”
The club said it proud of its membership fees which ensures the sport is accessible for all.
Youngsters under 18 can join and and have free access all year for just £5.
Coaching is underway again for this season and details can be found at www. kingussietennisclub.org