Partnership serves up easier access to local tennis courts
Hiring Tewantin Tennis Club’s courts for private games is now a breeze, thanks to a partnership between the Club, Tennis Australia and Council.
Usage has increased by around 400 per cent since the courts were added to the national Book-a-Court online booking system about 12 months ago.
“The project is a great example of the state sporting body, Council and a local club working together to improve outcomes for the community and the club. This type of partnership is a strong focus for sports development in Noosa,” Council’s Community Development Officer Amanda Tie said.
Council expressed an interest in being a Queensland pilot for the system, with Tewantin the only club on the Sunshine Coast to have the system installed so far.
Tennis Queensland’s Book-a-Court Coordinator Laura David said: “Tewantin Tennis Club has led the way in embracing innovation and technology in a sporting market screaming out for improved user experience and easier accessibility for sporting venues”.
“Having Book-a-Court means less burden on our volunteers answering phone calls and arranging keys. It’s so much easier,” said Tewantin Tennis Club President Tony Coyle.
Book-a-Court allows anyone with a smartphone to select, book and pay for tennis court hire at participating facilities around Australia. A code generated with each booking allows easy access to the courts via a digital keypad at the court gate.
“Noosa has ample number of tennis courts, and this system has begun making them more accessible not only to locals but tennis-loving visitors who are familiar with the Book-a-Court App, which is widely used in other states,” Council’s Sports Development Officer Amanda Tie said
Tennis Australia contributed $12,000 worth of equipment to introduce the system at Tewantin, with a Council Community Project Grant helping cover the installation costs.
New court lighting at the Club that links with the Book-a-Court system means the courts are now available for night-time bookings also.
“Council is keen to assist other clubs pilot innovative ideas and take advantage of opportunities presented by their peak bodies to improve physical activity participation in the community,” Ms Tie said.
To book a court at Tewantin Tennis Club go to the website.
Council’s latest Community Project Grant round opened on February 27 and closes on 3 April.
6 March 2019