“Tennis uses the language of life. Advantage, service, fault, break, love – the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence, because every match is a life in miniature.” – Andre Agassi
About the “Raise the Dome” Proposal
In early spring of 2023, the PHRC was presented with a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a 4-court tennis dome for use during the fall and winter months. The redeployed dome is owned by All Canadian Sports Management (ACSM) - a Canadian tennis industry leader for over 40 years that is committed to “growing the game” and a partner of PHRC through ACE Tennis. For reference, the cost of purchasing and installing a new tennis dome is estimated at $800,000 to $1 million.
ACSM has offered to finance the redevelopment of their dome to the PHRC. As the owner of the dome, ACSM will be responsible for operating and maintaining the dome during the fall and winter session.
While we are incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity, there are considerable capital costs associated with the construction of a fourth court and dome installation, including electrical wiring, grade beam installation, new fencing and a walkway to the dome from the community centre. Therefore, if the proposal is approved the PHRC must fundraise to cover the capital costs.
In anticipation of raising these funds, the PHRC has applied for a grant from Tennis Canada & Rogers (valued at up to $200,000) to develop winter tennis.
Growing the Game of Tennis in our Community and Beyond
If our 'Raise the Dome' project moves forward successfully, the dome will be the only dedicated, indoor tennis facility in the Northumberland, Quinte, and Peterborough regions. Port Hope will become known as a year-round tennis destination, drawing tennis players (of all ages and from different communities) during the fall and winter.
Our “Raise the Dome” campaign will enable our members and the wider community to get acquainted with this project and to lend support towards the capital cost of installing the dome.
We have included details below of our upcoming fundraising efforts and how you can help us make this opportunity a reality for our community. To learn more about the “Raise the Dome” proposal, please review the Questions & Answers document.
Support and Excitement is Building for Year-Round Tennis
The “Raise the Dome” proposal is already generating tremendous excitement and support from our community and beyond. To date, we have received $80,000 in pledged donations from members and other gifts in kind. We have received support from other tennis clubs and community partners (such as Trinity College School) who see the value of bringing a tennis dome to Port Hope.
Here’s what people are saying about what this opportunity to access year-round tennis means to them:
"When the tennis bug bites it, it transcends a pastime. The Port Hope Racquet Club has plenty of members who share this passion. Like me, I’m sure some have considered a membership in Oshawa for the fall and winter. Year-round tennis in Port Hope would 'grow the game' in our community. It would make our town a tennis destination by offering tournaments for players of all ages and promote a physical and social outlet. Like a player, the club needs to grow. Access to this dome is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Let's get behind this and help to raise the dome!"
- Graeme Steel, owner of Ganaraska Art & Framing
"As a competitive tennis player with the Ontario Tennis Association and a player with our club's singles league, I am very excited by the possibility of having a year-round tennis facility in Port Hope. I currently drive 40 minutes each way to train during the fall and winter. So having access to a dome in my community would make a big difference in my training and help me with my goal of securing a tennis scholarship. I also believe that a lot of children and teens would use the dome and it would be a great way to keep local kids active during the long, winter months."
- Carson Lynch, age 15 and competitive player
“Tennis is an activity that uniquely bridges improvements in health and well-being across all ages, as well as the spectrum of physical & mental abilities. Our winter activities and sport are an essential part of Canadian living in order to become and remain healthy. Augmenting existing infrastructure to be available for year-round use will offer definite long-term benefit to Port Hope residents and community.”
- Mark McFadden, physiotherapist and owner of Riverlines Health & Well-Being Studio
“Tennis has become my sport and now we learn it is the great sport for us as we grow older. My grandchildren have started playing through the Port Hope Racquet Club and taking lessons through the Ace program. I have great fun hitting with them and I hope one day all of my grandkids will play with me. There are many sports in Port Hope that kids can play all year round but not tennis. With the addition of a bubble, that can change and our community, our kids, will love it.”
- Sarah Sculthorpe, tennis player and a member of the Tennis Fundraising Committee
"I’ve recently rediscovered tennis and our local club has become a summer home away from home. I’ve met new friends, and the pro has taught me a lot. Bringing a dome to our community is such an exciting and rare opportunity. It will allow us to stay active, continue developing our skills and socialize all year round, while proudly welcoming players of all ages and skill levels from as far away as Oshawa, Peterborough and Quinte West. Let's do this Port Hope!"
- Margaret James, a member of the Port Hope Racquet Club
