Horsham Rural City Council Community Development Grants are proving to be a big hit with Central Park Tennis Club.
The club members now enjoy both better playing and viewing of tennis as a result of grants over several years.
Their most recent project has involved the installation of shade cloth barriers along boundary fences that sit beside a footpath/bicycle track.
Stones from the path were being flicked or blown onto the courts, creating safety risks for players.
"The protected cloth protects players from possible injury if they were to slip on the stones and other refuse," Club Secretary Sharon Clough said.
The club received $2255 for the shade cloth in the 2022 HRCC grants and will soon take delivery of a $2318 display fridge for their clubhouse as part of the 2023 HRCC Community Development Grants program.
The glass door fridge will enable players and spectators to see the drinks and food without having to hold open the door, raising the power costs and fridge temperature.
"It will be really good to have this fridge, especially on tournament days." Ms Clough said.
Central Park also received $3000 several years ago from the grant program to install shade blinds at the front of the club house so that spectators were not blinded by the morning sun during Junior competitions.
Ms Clough the funds provided great support for the club which has up to 100 members and fields 12 junior teams and four senior teams in the Central Wimmera Tennis Association competition.
Central Park also holds a community play program for beginners from October to December which had approximately 30 participants this season. The Horsham Ladies Tennis Association, Horsham College, local coach and the general public also use the courts and facilities.
She said while tennis, like many sports, faced competition from other recreational pursuits and people's busy lives, it remained a great way to exercise and connect.
"It keeps you fit, is excellent for hand eye coordination, it is great socially and very team-orientated," she said.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES SOON
HRCC's Community Grants have been highly successful over the past 12 months with dozens of local projects worth $210,211 allocated funding.
Most successful applications range between $500 and $5,000 and are awarded to not-for-profit organisations that enhance the Horsham municipality.
Clubs and organisations can apply for a share of the next round of funding via the HRCC website from 1 February until 28 February 2024.
GRANT FINDER TOOL
Community Groups can now access up-to-date information on available and upcoming grants from all levels of government as well as philanthropic programs – all in the one place on the HRCC website.
