THUNDER BAY – Members were thrilled to be back on the courts at the Thunder Bay Tennis Centre Sunday, after provincial restrictions were lifted on several outdoor activities over the weekend.
It was a scramble to prepare the nine-court centre in time following the government’s announcement Thursday that tennis courts could reopen as of Saturday, said head professional Jamie Grieve.
The centre wrangled staff for training to review COVID-19 protocols on Saturday, prepared the grounds Sunday morning, and opened by the early afternoon.
“People were chomping at the bit” to play, Grieve said.
That included member and long-time player Pasi Pinta, who said it felt liberating to be back on the court, after months of winter and COVID-19 restrictions.
“In Finland where I’m from, [when] the cows get out for the first time in the spring, they jump and kick and make all kinds of noise,” he said. “I felt like those cows, giddy, getting out into the fresh air and playing tennis with friends.”
For now, court booking is open only to members, who can reserve spots up to two days in advance. The centre worried about the complications of potential contact tracing with non-members, Grieve said.
Memberships can still be purchased at the centre’s website.
Grieve hopes to open up play to non-members as pandemic restrictions ease, expressing confidence the game is safe.
“We want people to know that we feel it’s safe – I definitely feel it’s safe,” he said.
Players remain subject to numerous public health measures. When on the grounds, they must wear a mask and maintain physical distance from others. Masks can be removed while playing.
Hand sanitizer is available on the court, Grieve noted.
A maximum of 25 people are permitted at a time on the grounds, excluding staff.
The clubhouse will be closed, except for washroom access, and social areas like the deck and bleachers are cordoned off.
“We want people to basically come here, play, and then unfortunately unlike other times you can’t hang around and have fun like we used to,” said Grieve. “But the most important thing is that we’re playing some tennis, having fun and being active.”
Leagues are not operating, but small-group lessons are allowed with up to five people.
Perhaps the biggest loss is the cancellation of the Mascarin Mid-Canada Open, the region’s premiere tennis event that’s typically hosted at the centre, for a second year.
The tennis centre has weathered the pandemic fairly well, Grieve said, with its pre-COVID membership levels of just over 500 falling only slightly, to around 450, last year.
