RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill residents will continue to reap the rewards of a successful, long-time tennis partnership after the City awarded the contract for David Hamilton Park tennis facility to Blackmore Tennis Club, Inc.   

For close to 30 years, the City and Blackmore have partnered to provide high quality, affordable and accessible indoor tennis to the Richmond Hill community. As part of Council’s commitment to growing and developing the sport of tennis in Richmond Hill, these services will continue under a new 20-year deal, which includes an affordable membership and program plan, as well as a subsidy program for those with financial barriers. 

The indoor tennis facility will be open each year from October 1 to April 30, 7 days a week, 16 hours a day. The Club will offer a variety of programs including private and semi-private lessons, group lessons, camps, round robins and house leagues, inter-county leagues and tournaments. Members will be able to book courts online up to eight days in advance. The Club will also include a pro shop that offers equipment and pro shop services. 

The City and Blackmore will also partner to deliver tennis skills development, lessons and camps to non-member residents. Free lessons will be provided each week to residents and families with financial challenges who are new to tennis and interested in learning the sport.

The partnership will further benefit the community through:

• an annual fundraising event to support local charity organizations;
• an outreach program with local schools to engage students in learning the game of tennis; and
• a bursary program which will be established for high performance junior players who excel both on the court and in the classroom

The City and Blackmore are working together to establish and implement a new summer club at David Hamilton Park as well. Year-round club-play is expected to begin in the 2021 season. 

The new deal also includes improvements to the facility including a new air support structure and clubhouse, which will be fully funded by Blackmore. The tennis courts will be resurfaced and reconfigured with Blackmore covering two thirds of the cost. 

The upgraded facility is expected to be open for indoor play in October 2020 if provincial COVID-19 guidelines allow and it is safe to do so. For more information, visit tennisclubs.ca/richmond-hill/. 

Quotes

“Excellent recreation opportunities are one of the keys to a healthy, vibrant community. I am thrilled that through our partnership with Blackmore Tennis Club, we are continuing to grow the game of tennis here in Richmond Hill so more people can enjoy this great sport and find new ways to be active in our city.” - Mayor Dave Barrow 

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the City of Richmond Hill, as we strive to provide tennis opportunities for everyone. We are excited about our upcoming capital improvements to the courts, clubhouse and bubble. Our facility will set the new standard for municipal tennis facilities!” - Adam Seigel, General Manager, Blackmore Tennis Club

Contact
Kathleen Graver, Manager, Communication Services
kathleen.graver@richmondhill.ca