Sport
16 December, 2023
Game, set and match for city’s $3m new tennis centre
LAST Sunday marked the opening of the new Henley St Tennis Club, after $2.9 million worth of upgrades to Earlville’s Lion Park.
The park’s upgrade includes the construction of four new synthetic grass tennis courts, lighting to allow for night use, as well as a 34-bay carpark.
The upgrades have also allowed for Earlville Tennis Club to merge with Woree Tennis Club, a much-needed opportunity for Woree after being affected by the upgrade of the intersection between Rigg Street and Windarra Street.
Cairns Mayor Terry James expressed the benefits of the merger to both clubs, emphasising the large number of potential opportunities that the venue is able to facilitate due to the new upgrade.
“As a result of the upgrades, the Henley Street Tennis Club has a total of eight tennis courts available,” said Cr James.
“As well as providing members with improved facilities, with eight courts now available it means for more opportunities for the club to host more and higher-level tournaments.”
Division 3 Councillor Cathy Zeiger expressed the opportunity and fortune for local tennis players, despite the challenge of relocation.
“While the journey has been a challenge, especially for Woree Tennis Club, the officers have handled it incredibly well,” Cr Zeiger said.
“It is great to see both clubs have decided to reform as a new club, with members of both clubs on the board of the new club. “
Cr Zeiger also gave credit to Tennis Queensland, in an appreciation of support for the merging of the clubs.
“They worked diligently with both the Woree and Earlville Tennis Clubs, as well as Tennis Queensland, to achieve this outcome,” said Cr Zeiger.
“Using a tennis term, this is a grand slam for local players.”
“With the merger of the clubs meaning enhanced facilities, and greater competition due to the new international-sized court.”
