Club History

The Maroochydore Tennis Club was formed in 1976 with the Club taking out a $3000 loan from the Commonwealth Bank. This loan and a $1000 grant from Maroochy Shire Council enabled the construction of two dirt courts (now Courts 1&2). Previously there had been 2 dirt courts and a very small clubhouse situated near the entry to the bowls club carpark beside what is now the Childcare Centre. All that remains of that is the tap which you may have seen on the right just as you drive off Fifth Avenue. There were some very active members in those days – Kerslakes, Bannings and Lancasters to name a few and their names can be seen on the Club Honour Board.

That old clubhouse was shifted to become the basis of our current one. It has had a few major extensions since then – one in 1984 to include a storage room and a mens toilet and the last being the Pro Shop added in 2005. The timber patio was put in place when courts 5&6 were added in 2001.

In 1977, with the help of a Government subsidy and a loan, courts 5&6 were added, made of concrete. It was convenient that a couple of members worked for the Maroochy Shire and often graders, rollers and other equipment became available for a few stubbies. I am often asked why the courts are aligned East-West. At the time, there were no buildings between the courts and the river. There was also a creek flowing through the park across from the courts. The glare coming from the water was worse than looking into the afternoon sun so the lesser of two evils was adopted – Believe it or not!

Courts 1&2 were bitumenised in 1986 using an interest free loan from the Council of $15400.
In January, 1987 courts 1&2 were surfaced with plexipave and shortly after, courts 3&4 were done also but they are on a concrete base. Some of our present members have been with the club for many years but the longest continual membership belongs to Narelle Pearce who joined back in 1976 and was the club treasurer for 4 years from 1986 to 1989, and has always been on the Friday Ladies committee.

Provided by Ken Lane (joined in 1986)