Construction begins on region's only indoor tennis facility

Photo from Port Hope Racquet Club Facebook Page

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini returned to his home town Thursday to join the Port Hope Racquet Club in celebrating the start of construction on a new year-round indoor tennis facility,

Known as the Raise The Dome project, this is the introduction of the community's first indoor courts, allowing athletes and families to play year-round, while strengthening grassroots sport across the region. 

When completed, it will be the only dedicated indoor tennis facility in the Northumberland, Quinte and Peterborough regions, attracting players of all ages from far and wide during the fall and winter months.

“This is an incredible investment in Port Hope and in the future of active living in our community,” Piccini said.

“The Raise The Dome initiative reflects the dedication and vision of the Port Hope Racquet Club and its volunteers. Our government is proud to support this project, helping ensure that families and athletes have year-round access to high-quality facilities close to home.”

The provincial government supported the project with more than $680,000 through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, with a $200,000 contribution from Tennis Canada.

The development includes the installation of a dome structure over the courts, the addition of a fourth court, and key site upgrades. Construction is anticipated to be completed later this year, at which time the facility will be a transformative addition to local sports infrastructure, creating new opportunities for programming, competition and community engagement.

Port Hope Racquet Club President Darryl Goodall extended his gratitude to the government of Ontario.

“Your investment is not just in infrastructure, but in the growth of our sport, the strength of our community and the opportunities we can now offer players of all ages and abilities year-round,” Goodall added.

PHRC recently announced a new operating partnership with The Supreme Court, an organization with extensive experience in tennis programming and facility management. This partnership will support high-quality programming and operations from day one.