Basketball added, tennis club arrangement changes
John Taylor, the owner of the tennis a volleyball facility at Whistler Creekside, has announced the installation of six new nets this year of a slightly different variety.
While tennis will still be an important part of the facility, Taylor hopes to expand the facility to include basketball.
"We intend to promote not only tennis on our five courts, but also more beach volleyball at that facility, plus lots of basketball," said Taylor. "We have just purchased and installed six hoops for use this summer. That’s what more and more young people want."
As a result of this change, Taylor said it was necessary to change the previous arrangement with the Whistler Valley Tennis Club, which used the facility exclusively for tennis.
"We are not evicting the Society (club) members," he said. "On the contrary, they are all welcome to participate as they have in the past, with a better agreement. They will not have to pay any rent for use of the facility, nor the retainer normally paid to the club professional. We will pay all costs of operating the facility, including the club pro, maintenance of the grounds, taxes, insurance, etceteras."
Tennis will continue to be the main attraction at the facility. Free tennis lessons are still available for kids who enrol in the weekly instruction program, and all special club nights will continue, including Men’s Night on Mondays, Ladies Night on Wednesdays, and Mixed Social Night on Fridays.
"And the best part is that the membership fee for the entire year will remain at $99, the lowest rate in B.C., and with no hourly court fees," Taylor said.
Club pro Scott Pederson will return to the club, and all past members are invited to join under the new arrangement. Taylor hopes the new initiatives will increase the membership and social interaction of the club, both of which have diminished since the Whistler Racquet and Golf Resort opened.
"It is time for action and revival, and that is what we hope will happen through the new administrative policy," said Taylor.
Taylor acknowledged that the 2.5 acre Nita Lake property is currently for sale. In March it was listed as an estate lot for $3.5 million.
"Although the property has not been sold, we felt it was time for the society to begin planning for another site for the future, and we have offered to assist in submitting business proposals for a new club, perhaps on municipal land where other courts exist."
In the meantime, Taylor would like to see the property used to its full potential.
