Game, set and match on $1.25million project to flood-proof tennis

Published on 30 November 2024

Junior and senior tennis players are ready to serve an even more exciting summer in Singleton with game, set and match on a $1.25million project to prevent future flood damage at the Howe Park tennis complex.

The Howe Park Tennis Club today celebrated the completion of upgrades to six synthetic courts, lighting and footpaths, as well as a range of works beneath the surface to raise the courts above flood level, at a special event that included a barbecue and of course, social tennis.

The Hon Emily Suvaal MLC, representing Minister for the Hunter, the Hon Yasmin Catley, and Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore joined with former Australian professional tennis player, coach and commentator Louise Pleming and members of the club to cut the ribbon to officially declare the new courts open for play.

The project was funded by a $1 million grant from the Community Assets Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, a $142,700 Local Government Recovery grant from the Office of Local Government, and the remainder by Council.

Completed on schedule earlier this month, the project was initiated due to significant damage caused by prolonged periods of flooding.

The works included preparation and compaction of a subbase layer, new asphalt layer and synthetic grass to elevate the courts above flood levels to increase their durability, as well as upgrades of existing underground power cables, a new stormwater line and lighting.

Quotes by Dan Repacholi MP:

“Thanks to significant joint funding by the Australian and NSW governments, and a massive effort from Singleton Council and Howe Park Tennis Club, tennis enthusiasts in the Hunter can get back on the courts.

“Established in 1910, the upgrades have allowed the club to upgrade its facilities to face increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events so that players just starting to build their skills, through to advanced players, can enjoy the sport all-year-round.

“Importantly, getting facilities like these upgraded is crucial to providing a sense of normalcy for the community after experiencing major weather events over the last few years, and strengthening the social fabric between friends, families, and community.

“It was great to have joined everyone in Singleton today to have a look at some of the great work that’s been done, celebrate this major milestone, and watch some of up and coming local tennis talent.”

Quotes by The Hon. Emily Suvaal MLC:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting grassroots sports across our regions and that’s why we’ve jointly committed with the Australian Government to deliver upgrades to the local tennis courts in Singleton.

“We believe everyone in NSW deserves access to top-tier facilities, no matter where they live or how unpredictable the weather may be.

“Many of our nation’s greatest sports stars started on their local fields, reminding us just how important these spaces are to fostering talent and building community spirit.

“But more than that, these upgrades create opportunities for locals to come together and strengthen the bonds that make our communities so special – something the NSW Government knows the value of.”

Quotes by Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore:

“Council worked with the Howe Park Tennis Club for the best time to undertake the works in the lead up to the busy summer season, and the club received Singleton Sports Council grant funding for temporary lighting to utilise the grass courts at the complex while works were in progress.

“We could not be happier with the results, and the timing could not be more perfect as we head into the summer season.

“Tennis is a popular sport for both our junior and senior players in Singleton, and these courts are yet another example of the standard of facilities on offer for both competitive and recreational sportspeople across our local government area.

“We’re looking forward to future Aussie grand slam champions like Ash Barty and Leyton Hewitt starting their training and dreaming big on these new courts.”

Quotes by Howe Park Tennis Club President Craig Miles:

“We’re absolutely delighted that the Government and Council are investing in community sport, and tennis in particular is just a wonderful sport for people of all ages. We’ve got members in their 80s who come along for a hit, and an incredible juniors program that’s going from strength to strength.

“Our club is now 114 years old, and we’re proud to have over 200 members of all ages who regularly play in our competition nights and social events.

“We’re very fortunate to have eight grass courts which is incredible for any country club, and now to have six refurbished synthetic courts of such a high standard means our facilities are absolutely second to none.

“New brighter and consistent lighting also means playing at night for our competition and social groups is so much better.”