Major Wagga Wagga and NSW Tennis stakeholders at the unveiling of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
After 13 months of construction, the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre has finally opened its courts to the public.
The upgraded facility was officially opened at a ceremony at Bolton Park on Thursday (10 April) and will serve as an extension of the already impressive park facility.
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said the unveiling was a landmark day for Wagga sport.
“The official opening of this amazing centre is a landmark day for Wagga Wagga and another great testament to our city’s well-earned reputation as a home of sporting excellence,” Dr McGirr said.
“With international-standard courts for elite competition as well as facilities for everyday community use, the revamped centre is a jewel in the crown of the Bolton Park precinct that will enhance our city’s economy, health and amenities.
“This is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Wagga’s ‘Mr Tennis’, Jim Elphick, and I congratulate Wagga Wagga City Council, the NSW Government, Tennis NSW and the tennis community for making this incredible facility a reality.”
Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout said the centre solidified Wagga’s enviable sporting image.
“The completion of this extensive redevelopment marks a significant milestone for the city, solidifying Wagga Wagga’s reputation as a leading sports and events destination,” Cr Tout said.
“We’re excited to see what the future holds given the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre’s revamped capacity to host regional and national tennis competitions, and we look forward to welcoming the many players, officials and visitors from across the country who will visit our city in the process.”
The upgraded venue now boasts eight International Tennis Federation-standard cushioned acrylic hardcourts designed for elite competition, along with two cushioned warm-up courts and five synthetic grass courts for community use.
Seven-time Grand Slam doubles runner-up Casey Dellacqua joined Tennis NSW president Melissa Achten and CEO Darren Simpson at the opening of the state-of-the-art courts and credited the local tennis community for backing the project.
“Tennis is an incredibly powerful platform for bringing communities together and inspiring people of all ages and interest levels to get moving and get involved to the best of their ability and interests,” Ms Dellacqua said.
“Venues like this are for everyone and will support participants from our Hot Shots programs to schools to competitive and social play opportunities.
“How fantastic will it be for these amazing young women and men to play and train in their own backyard, in these amazing facilities and on the same Grand Slam surface as we have for the Australian Open.”
Players can book a court or sign up for a Wagga Wagga Leisure membership to use the facility by contacting Wagga Leisure manager Marc Geppert at [email protected] or by phoning 0408 680 984.
