Island Reps founder Renate Savitsky and tennis pro Stephane Szeberenyi. (Robert Luckock photo)
COLE BAY--The tennis courts at Princess Port de Plaisance are now open and the club is inviting players to use them, and for evening play until 9:00pm.
Thanks to a private investment by Island Reps, the island’s longest-established destination management company, all of the courts are clean and have been returned to a playable state. Much of the damage in the September 2017 hurricanes was done to the court’s perimeter fences, the lights, courts and surrounding areas between courts. Now all has been repaired. The greenery and landscaping were not too badly affected.
“As there wasn’t any help from government, we did this mainly to uplift one of the sports facilities on this side of the island,” explained Island Reps founder Renate Savitsky. “We felt an obligation to do something. It helps to give a better image for tourists as well. Currently five courts out of the seven are quite acceptable to play on day- or night-time. The new LED court lights work with sensors and come on automatically as soon as it gets dark.”
She said the courts will all be resurfaced, but on a schedule that will leave some courts available for players during the work.
“We have all the materials and equipment here already for resurfacing and we are just waiting for the experts to arrive this week to start.”
Savitsky said the long-term plan is to convert two containers parked next to the covered central pavilion into a bar and restaurant that can also be locked up securely. It will provide food and refreshments and will cater to parties. An additional small clubhouse will take tennis reservations and give information.
The tennis pros on site are Stephane Szeberenyi and Samuel Journet. A tennis programme catering to children ages three to 18 on both sides of the island will start in September and continue through June 2019. Programmes will also be available for adults. Parents are welcome to register their children from now.
The tennis courts are open from 7:00am to 9:00pm. For more information call Stephane at tel. 527-1111.
