Andrew Castle Opens Park Club's Tennis Dome

Facility opens with mini doubles tournament

To mark the addition of the dome to the Club, former British No.1 tennis player and television presenter Andrew Castle officially opened the new dome on Thursday 20 October 2011.

Park Club Head Coach, Shane Hurst, and Andrew enjoyed a short set - no-one is saying who won (well done Shane!) followed by a mini doubles tournament of Club tennis players incorporating Andrew.

Pic: Tim Edwards

Playing and non-playing Park Club members then relaxed in the adult sports bar with complimentary cocktails, canapés and light jazz provided by Eric Gilchrist and his Jazz Quartet.

The evening was concluded with the draw of an exclusive Park Club member competition to win 5 nights stay at the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel in Cyprus! The winner of the draw was Guy Curtis - Raleigh who was ecstatic at the news. A fabulous evening was declared by all!

Pic: Tim Edwards

The dome is immediately adjacent to the Club building. It will be heated throughout the autumn and winter and overhead lighting will enable play for the majority of the the opening hours of the Club.

Tim Slater; Sales & Marketing Director told us, " It’s taken several years of consultation and discussion with planning experts, half a million pounds of investment, and it’s SO worth it. The end result is absolutely fabulous – almost cathedral-like! The dome is massive - 2250 sq metres - and with its’ hi-specification hung rooflights, double skin insulation and heating this is the best of the best! We are now looking forward to taking tennis to the very highest level, adding in further sports such as badminton and numerous children’s activities after- school. "

A short time lapse video showing the dome being created has been published.

The dome will ensure that the Park Club continues to have some of the best tennis facilities in London. It adds to the existing 11 all weather astroturf courts, 2 grass courts, 4 tarmacadum courts and 4 mini tennis courts. Combined with 3 to 5 tennis pros subject to the season, they are able to provide adults and children an opportunity to get involved in the sport.

The Club provides a host of opportunities to compete against Park Club members of all levels as well as external competitions. With their association to the Lawn Tennis Association, Park Club members who register as British Tennis Members can be ranked both within and outside of the Club.

October 23, 2011