Russell Tennis Club serves up new clubrooms

Russell Tennis Club officially opened its new clubrooms on Saturday (3 October), marking the end of a four-year journey to deliver improved facilities for the local community.

The project got underway with a $20,000 grant from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board in March 2022. While the grant was only a small part of the overall project cost, it provided important seed funding that helped the club get its plans moving.

As the project progressed, the club found the cost of delivering its vision was higher than originally anticipated. Club members and supporters responded by raising substantial funds through a wide range of activities, including some creative initiatives, to help bring the new clubrooms to reality.

The official opening is a significant milestone for the club and recognises the determination of its members and supporters to see the project through after more than four years.

The project also highlights the value of partnerships between community organisations and the council’s community boards. Initial funding can help community groups get projects underway and strengthen their ability to attract additional support and funding to turn ideas into reality.

The Russell Tennis Club’s new clubrooms will provide an improved home for the club and support its ongoing activities as part of the Russell Kororāreka community.