Enhancing accessibility and inclusion at North Woden Tennis Courts

Location :

Canberra, ACT

Client :

North Woden Tennis Club, Tennis ACT, Tennis Australia

Year :

2023

Sector :

Acrylic | Synthetic turf | Tennis

In 2021, the North Woden Tennis Club engaged SPORTENG to address critical issues with its tennis courts, including failed asphalt and inadequate drainage, which had rendered the courts unsafe for play. Recognising the need for a comprehensive solution, SPORTENG embarked on a detailed project to rectify these issues and transform the facility.

That same year, the North Woden Tennis Club forged a significant partnership with Aspen Medical to promote inclusivity in sports, specifically supporting all abilities and wheelchair tennis in the ACT. This collaboration underscored the importance of creating an accessible and safe environment for all players.

Through meticulous planning and execution, SPORTENG delivered a state-of-the-art court redevelopment. This project not only resolved the existing structural problems but also enhanced the club's infrastructure to accommodate players with intellectual and physical disabilities. The newly redeveloped courts now stand as a testament to the club's commitment to inclusivity, providing a supportive environment for all members of the community to train and play.

THE CHALLENGE

The poor quality of the courts meant that the pavements, subbase, and drainage all had to be repaired and relayed. The Club had a budget that allowed for the renovation of 4 courts, but SPORTENG worked with the contractor to negotiate an additional 4 synthetic courts within the budget, which was a great win for the club.

As a result, the club now has 4 renovated acrylic asphalt courts, and 4 new synthetic courts, all of which are built to championship standard, allowing the club to cater for overflow for ACT State competitions.

THE SOLUTION

SPORTENG not only prepared the detailed design for the courts but also acted as superintendents for the club, managing town planning and building permits, the tender process including returnable schedules and RFQ meetings with contractors, construction documentation, technical specifications, and civil documentation.

They managed finances on behalf of the club, attended weekly progress meetings, approved variations, and conducted site inspections.

This start-to-finish, full-service design and construction support enabled SPORTENG to deliver a high-quality, safe, and modern facility within budget.

With a number of stakeholders including North Woden Tennis Club, Tennis ACT and Tennis Australia, this process proved to be both efficient and positive process for all.

THE RESULTS

In October 2023, Minister Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry MLA officially reopened North Woden Tennis Club also known as the Aspen Medical All Abilities and Wheelchair Hub.

The upgrades have made the club safer for all players and enabled athletes with disabilities to train and play in a supportive environment. North Woden Tennis Club president Jillian Mitchell said the work was well overdue and had attracted an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.

“Our first junior development tournament since reopening attracted a record number of entries because people wanted to see what the courts are like … The feedback is that they’re absolutely fantastic,” North Woden Tennis Club president Jillian Mitchell said.

“We originally only had one wheelchair athlete, but thanks to the wheelchair program, that’s growing,” she said.

“We’ve also had enough interest that we’ve been able to introduce wheelchair tennis alongside junior and adult categories to the annual club championship, and we’re so pleased about that.”

Source: Athletes of all abilities are embracing upgraded facilities at North Woden Tennis Club