Harrogate Spa Tennis Centre has called in the experts from a leading disability charity as it makes opening its gates to the wider community its number one priority.
The club, which has moved from Kent Drive to a new, bigger site on Claro Road, is working with staff and customers from Disability Action Yorkshire to ensure the new facilities are accessible to all – including wheelchair users.
Since Harrogate Spa Tennis Club made its move – and increased the number of courts from three to six, it has seen its membership grow by nearly 100. And diversifying its membership has now become a key target for the club.
Tennis director at Harrogate Spa Tennis Club Carolyn Rothwell, who also volunteers at the charity’s Claro Road care home, said:
As a regular volunteer I am aware of how much the home’s customers are looking forward to having access to these courts.
We invited a number down to the club, which is just around the corner, to give us their views, and recommendations, of what we need to do ensure it is accessible for them.
We have made a good start, but realise there is still more to do and we value their input.
However, in order to achieve our goals we will need more funds and support from the local community.
Once completed, disabled people, including wheelchair users, from not just Disability Action Yorkshire will be able to benefit from the resource. It is already proving popular with young people with learning disabilities.
Our coaching is provided by TennisHarrogate, who will help newcomers to start playing the game, or, for those that have already played, improve their skills thanks to expert tuition.
Our coaching is provided by TennisHarrogate, who will help newcomers to start playing the game, or for those that have already played, improve their skills thanks to expert tuition.
Disability Action Yorkshire Claro Road Care Home manager Steven Taylor said:
Carolyn is a valued volunteer here and we are delighted that the tennis club has its sights on being fully inclusive.
Because of our existing relationship with her – the home’s close proximity to the new club – she has sought our advice.
It is also great for our customers to be able to recommend what would suit their needs the most, making Harrogate Spa Tennis Centre a tailored fit for disabled people.
And, once our recommendations are in place this will be a fantastic resource for our customers to utilise.
The second phase of the Tennis Club development will include indoor courts and disabled parking, which will make the club accessible for use all year round as well as to those with disabilities.
