2006 Calendar

SUNCOAST RACQUET CLUB

THE STORY OF THE WAKEFIELD TENNIS BUBBLE

by Anne Elliott

(Part four of a series, Tennis is Forever)

How it all began over 21 years ago in 1984. The dream and vision of a family named Radymski resulted in a two-court tennis facility under a big bubble on the ocean. Avid tennis players, Rick & Donna ran the Wakefield Tennis Club, as it was known then, while operating the Wakefield Inn.

As business at the Inn picked up and membership to the tennis club increased to over 100, many of whom are still playing today, the running of the Club was handed over to the tennis players who could share in the duties. So the Suncoast Racquet Club was born, a non-profit run organization affiliated with the Societies Act.

Experienced players, like John Johnson, who played regularly well into his late 70’s, because of their love of the game, were willing to donate their time to teach beginners, run fun tournaments and help look after the facility. Regular ladies and men doubles games were scheduled, mixed doubles and singles games were played and the Club became a coast-wide fixture. A Board of Directors was formed, all volunteers and keen tennis players and nominal fees were charged to cover the lease of the Bubble from the Radymskis. Fun tournaments were held, Pizza Nights were a monthly event for tennis and socialization, summer BBQ’s with tennis quizzes and players with musical talents bringing the entertainment were all part of the fringe benefits of joining the Club. Certified coaches from the Sunshine Coast gave up their time to host Open Houses with skill testing games; the focus was to encourage young and old to come out, enjoy tennis and join the Club.

The Bubble, which was like a huge canvas balloon, allowed tennis to be played year round and it was not without it’s up and downs if you excuse the pun. Because of it’s exposure to high winds in the winter it succumbed to many deflations, some planned others not planned. When it was unplanned, damage to the interior lights was often the result.

Tennis in the bubble was often laced with excitement. Keen tennis players hitting the ball during a storm often had one eye towards the roof looking for signs of trouble. It sounded precarious but the bubble was kept up by motors driving fans to blow air into it to keep it inflated and there was a back up motor should there be a power failure. Over time, just like our bodies, things wear out and unfortunately that is what happened to the motors -- it was more a question of “when” not “if” the bubble will come down again. On April 1^st 2005 it went down for the final time and was deemed beyond repair.

Now that the familiar landmark has disappeared (along with the Wakefield Inn itself), many enthusiastic tennis players along with the backing of local municipalities and local businesses are working hard to raise money to build a new vision of tennis for the Sunshine Coast.

An old myth that tennis was an “elitist” sport is no longer true. Tennis facilities have become cost efficient and clubs, like the Suncoast Racquet Club are self sustaining. Tennis is a game for all ages and all pocket books; everyone with a bit of eye/ball co-ordination and a determination to get the ball over the net can play.

The new indoor facility will not be a “Bubble” but a solid structure that will not need motors or helping hands to put it back up. Centrally located near the Sechelt Arena it will be an indoor community facility for everyone coast wide to enjoy – time will be allotted for public play as well as for children’s and youth programs. Newcomers will always be welcome to hit the ball.

2009

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Ok, let's get some land and build a Tennis Club