Range Tennis courts light up in new era for state’s oldest club
TENNIS: The Range Tennis Club boasts the title of Queensland’s oldest tennis club, and recently it has added a key feature to ensure its future.
The club has installed lights for all four courts, as it looks to capitalise on the booming number of members post-Covid.
President Paul Mooney said the club has grown exponentially over the past couple of years, with the newest addition set to bring more people to the sport.
“It’s gone from a handful of members to over 300 over the past couple of years during Covid,” Mooney said.
“There were no junior players, and now we have well over 100 as members.
“Recently we put in lights with the help of Toowoomba Regional Council and Tennis Australia through their Court Rebates Scheme.
“Starting next term, there will be night fixtures. The place is alive.”
Mooney said the $150,000 investment will give people a greater chance at getting involved.
“Fixtures will start at about 6.30pm through to 10pm,” he said.
“It’s evening play that really attracts most adults and juniors.
“In winter the sun goes down around 5, so it opens up a whole new window for extended coaching and then into the night with fixtures. It allows us to run with more events.”
After the giant strides taken over the past 12 months, Mooney is hopeful the club can earn recognition at some of the nation’s biggest awards’ nights.
“We’re a passionate committee. I think it would take a bit to knock us off as Australia’s fastest growing tennis club,” he said.
“We’ll nominate for Tennis Queensland’s club of the year, and if you win that you get automatic entry into Tennis Australia’s club of the year award.”