Growing the Game of Paddle in Chicago:

Installing Platform Tennis Courts in

Lake BluffIL

July 2008

Lake Bluff Park District

355 W Washington Ave.

Lake BluffIL60044

Prepared by Amy Halstead

Overview

  • Executive Summary
  • The Plan
  • The Lake Bluff/Lake Forest Area
  • Platform Tennis in the Central Region
  • The Lake Bluff Park District
  • Platform Tennis Proposal for LakeBluff
  • Local Supporters / Players
  • Site Plan

Executive Summary

After the closing of a local tennis and paddle facility in LakeBluff, Bath & Tennis (B & T), the new owner of the propertygenerously donated 3 paddle courts to our local Park District in LakeBluff. Roughly 80 paddle players were displaced after the closing of this facility.

To determine the opportunity of a paddle facility located in a local municipality, the Park District’s Board evaluated several items: 1) the level of player interest in the community 2) the financial feasibility of paddle and 3) a site determination. After several months of developing a membership drive, 85 community members committed to a membership by completing an application and depositing $100 towards their future membership. Secondly, the Park District completed a financial analysis (attached) which includes the upfront costs of resurfacing, rewiring, re-locating,dismantling and reassembling the 3 courts that were located on the Bath & Tennis property. It also includes the costs associated with building a new paddle hut. There are plans for adding a 4th court depending on the growth of this program. Finally, after several months of working through the local government entities, LakeBluff’s Village Board et al approved the site location, which is outlined on the end page.

In addition to the 85 community members that have committed to a membership, we plan on opening paddle to bordering communities. We feel there is a tremendous opportunity to grow the game of paddle, by providing a wonderful facility at an affordable price that will allow current and new members to enjoy this winter sport!

To help us get this program started, we are requesting the APTA to provide a grant in the amount of $15,000. Thank you for your consideration!

The Plan

  1. Install 3 used courts at BlairPark in LakeBluff. A 4th court is designed on the site plan depending upon the growth of the program.
  2. Our charges will be a one-time initiation fee of $125 for residents, $150 for non-residents. In addition, annual membership fees of $400 per player for a resident, $425 for a non-resident. This will include unlimited court time. League fees and APTA membership fees will be extra as well as any lessons, drills, or social events.
  3. Organize and evaluate the paddle players who have filed an application so we can create teams for upcoming league play in the fall. Teams will be established and submitted to the league by August 1st.
  4. Utilize a paddle software program to facilitate the drills, court reservations, and social events to all members.
  1. Develop a Paddle Program to include regular drills, social events, and junior programs. Ray J Murphy has been named Head Pro by the Park District.
  1. The Park District has agreed to advertise paddle through their magazine publication as well as a separate mailing to all Lake Bluff & Lake Forest residents.
  1. League play will be through an APTA league, the Chicago Platform Tennis Charities (CPTC.) All members will be asked to join the APTA this year so they can receive the PlatformTennis Magazine and support the APTA. LakeBluff would certainly be an APTA club.

The Lake Bluff/Lake Forest Area

Lake Bluff/Lake Forest are northern suburbs of Chicago, located 35 miles north of the downtown area, right on the border of Lake Michigan. LakeBluff’s population is 6000 and Lake Forest population is 24,000.

Platform Tennis in Chicago

Chicago winters do have their benefits: cold, grey, and icy; just enough incentive for the paddle enthusiasts to forego the snowbird mentality and engage in the “perfect paddle weather.” This unique appeal attracts those who desire fresh air, competition, and social engagement.

Part of the APTA’s Region 5, Chicago(CPTC) hosts 1800 members including 12 series among the women and 14 series among the men. The CPTC hosts many tournaments: Chicago Charities, IllinoisStates, 5 tournaments for various intermediate levels, mixed doubles, and an annual tournament to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

There are 24 clubs located in this area, 22 of which are private clubs and 2 are municipalities (Winnetka & Hinsdale.)

Lake Bluff Park District

The Park District has a local golf course, tennis courts, an outdoor pool and a recreational facility that offers basketball, fitness classes, and a full gym.

It is fully staffed by Park District employees and has an Executive Director, Ron Salski, who oversees the entire recreational facility and programs.

Local Supporters / Players

As mentioned, we already have 85 community members that have filed an application and made a $100 deposit on their future membership; this is without a facility even built. We anticipate that once the facility is established, we will reach a membership goal of 100 in our first year and with the establishment of a junior program, the membership goal could increase to 125.

We have many local pros in the area that support paddle tennis. Among them are Dave and Marina Ohlmueller, Ray J Murphy, Mike Raleigh, Matt Stiltz, and many others.

BlairPark Site Plan