Centre serves up the hits

By Melissa Meehan
PAKENHAM’S $3.5 million Regional Tennis Centre is set to be a big hit with tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
The centre will open on Monday 9 March.
Players will have the luxury of playing on one of the 18 floodlit tennis courts with Plexicushion Prestige surfacing – the same as Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open – along with a function centre, cafe and much more.
Cardinia Shire Council built the centre with funding support from the State Government and Tennis Australia as part of its commitment to providing a range of recreational and sporting facilities to meet the needs of the fast-growing local community.
The centre will offer casual court hire, tennis coaching, private tennis lessons, school holiday clinics, Pee Wee tennis lessons and junior tournaments.
The council will manage the new facility and centre manager Paul Kleverlaan is busy organising programs.
“We’re really excited about opening this fantastic new regional tennis centre, there’s been a lot of interest as the development has taken shape at the site in Webster Way and it will be great to be able to let the community enjoy their facility,” said Mr Kleverlaan.
The first school holiday program will commence at the end of term one and continue during school holidays throughout the year.
“We’re also looking to start weekly competitions for people of all tennis abilities.”
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato will officially open the centre on Sunday 21 March.
An open day will give residents a chance to see it for themselves and possibly serve up an ace on centre court.
“The official opening will be a great chance for families and the wider community to come down and check out what’s on offer,” Mr Kleverlaan said.
There will be a range of family-friendly activities at the official opening as well as opportunities to use the tennis courts free of charge.
For details call the Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre on 5940 8510 or visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au.