The Red Deer Tennis Club has been a constant presence in the community for 125 years.
On Saturday, June 14, the club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a barbecue, court dedication, Tennis Alberta Roadshow event, which featured a "smash tent" where people could see how fast they can serve, and more.
"This is a very special milestone. I don't think there are many clubs, businesses or organizations that have been operating for this long," said William Poggemiller, president of the Red Deer Tennis Club.
"We're really grateful to all of the people who have helped make this club a success over the last 125 years. We're really excited about the future, offering new programs and pathways, and engaging with the community while growing the game of tennis in Red Deer."
The Red Deer Tennis Club was first organized in 1900. Matches were first played at the city square, but eventually the club built courts by the intersection of Ross Street and 49 Avenue. New courts were then built in 1939, just east of the downtown Co-op Plaza on 47 Avenue.
Two shale courts were built in what is now Galbraith Park, but they soon fell into disrepair. In 1961, the only two courts in the city were at the water tower hill site. That changed in the late 60s, when eight hard courts were built at the Recreation Centre complex. These courts were rebuilt in 1990 and served as the home of national junior tennis tournaments in 1992 and 1999.
The indoor tennis bubble, located right beside these outdoor courts, was opened in 2009. Then, in 2017, the outdoor courts were resurfaced.
"This club has had generations of people who have contributed to it. There's a wonderful legacy and we're really thankful for that. We want to see this go another 125 years," said Poggemiller.
Like with many sports organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic did negatively impact the Red Deer Tennis Club, Poggemiller said.
"It's been a challenge to get back to those pre-COVID numbers, which is the case with many sports, but our trajectory is heading in the direction of growth," he said.
"With where this club is situated in Central Alberta, there's a tremendous opportunity for further growth. The game of tennis is growing in Canada... The club is well-situated to getting back to those pre-COVID numbers and hopefully going to places it hasn't been before."
For more information on the Red Deer Tennis Club, visit www.reddeertennis.com.
