Update #4, May 15, 2020
The following email was sent out to members May 15.
Please visit https://mailchi.mp/5c0f2a86c033/updatemay15 to see the proper formatting for the email.
Dear Members,
The Premier, Doug Ford, announced yesterday that the first of a three phase program to reopen the province begins in the coming days. For Elmdale Tennis Club this means that we can start preparation on the courts to open as soon as is practical and safe.
In the context of the Provincial Framework Reopening Ontario, municipal tennis clubs may open as soon as Tuesday, 19 May. We are working closely with Kelly Bean of the City of Ottawa’s City-wide Sports Program to ensure that our courts are open as quickly as possible, with a set of clear rules to ensure the safety of our members and staff.
We are able to have two individuals begin work on courts on Saturday, 16 May. We are awaiting a response from the City to our request to bring on additional volunteers/staff for court work, following the current guidelines for physical distancing. We have not been able to do any work on the courts this year. With four to six people assisting with court preparation, we may be able to open for play later next week.
At this time, the City is determining the rules with respect to benches, chairs, water access, washrooms and indoor clubhouses. For now, these amenities are not available for use—and may not be once we have clearance from the City to permit play on the courts. As the City provides guidance on these aspects of municipal tennis clubs, we will continue to shape our rules and share that information with you.
We have adopted Tennis Canada’s Recommendations for a Safe Return to Playing Tennis (available here). The specific rules we are developing for play at Elmdale are consistent with these recommendations. Please keep in mind that once we open, we will carefully monitor how the rules are implemented and will make changes as necessary to ensure fairness to our members. Safety is paramount. We will write again as soon as we have a date for reopening, and clear rules to support a safe return to play.
Elmdale Board of Directors
Update #3, April 6, 2020
Earlier today, a decision was made in consultation with Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health to remain in a State of Emergency and extend the existing closures of City facilities, services and large public gatherings until June 30, 2020.
This decision will be reviewed on a regular basis in consultation with Ottawa Public Health officials and the federal and provincial governments. However, it is important to act now in a concerted effort to continue to slow the spread of the virus.
It is recommended by Ottawa Public Health, and the Province of Ontario that everyone should be practicing physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people, and we are requesting that all partners refrain from accessing amenities and workspaces in City buildings.
Accessing facilities
We are requesting that all tenants refrain from accessing rented space in City facilities. Any planned programming that you have scheduled on site between April 6 and June 30 should be cancelled or postponed until a re-opening date has been set, and when full operational support and safe gathering protocols are in place.
Where possible, please contact Canada Post to temporarily transfer your mail to another address. If you experience issues, please contact the facility manager at your centre to see if alternative arrangements can be made.
We appreciate your help in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa and around the world.
Note: This means any access to tennis courts or clubhouses for maintenance or repairs are not allowed. Please see attached City of Ottawa public park signage.
Update #2, March 26, 2020
Good afternoon,
In follow up to the message that was sent on March 23, 2020, please read important messaging below regarding tennis in the City. Please confirm your receipt of this email by replying with your name and the name of your tennis club to ensure everyone is receiving these messages.
Membership Tennis Clubs in Ottawa
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all City of Ottawa recreation and cultural facilities, including recreation complexes, community centres, arenas, swimming pools, theatres and museums are closed until further notice. This includes all City of Ottawa membership tennis club facilities and courts.
Please ensure that the above message is shared with your members. Please check that individual member access is removed (e.g. change pass code or add additional lock to gate).
In addition, all city park facilities and park equipment are now closed until further notice. Only walkthroughs are permitted – while respecting physical (social) distancing. This includes public tennis courts that would be due to open in or around May 1. The City will open tennis courts once Ottawa Public Health advises that it is safe to do so and when weather conditions make it feasible.
Please refer to City of Ottawa/Recreation and Ottawa Public Health for up to date information as the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve.
Update #1: March 23, 2020
Good morning,
Please read important messaging below regarding tennis in the City.
Public Courts in Ottawa
Typically tennis/pickleball courts open by the end of May. Installation of nets occurs during the month of April, however snow, ground frost and repairs play a role in determining when each court can open. Unfortunately courts will not open any earlier than normal for play this year. If nets are installed too early with frost/wet/soft ground conditions, tightening the nets will cause the tennis posts to lean, requiring a costly re-instatement/replacement.
Membership Tennis Clubs in Ottawa
In response to the Government of Ontario’s emergency declaration, and to help protect our clients and the public from COVID-19, all City of Ottawa recreation and cultural facilities, including recreation complexes, community centres, arenas, swimming pools, theatres and museums are closed until further notice. This includes City of Ottawa membership tennis clubs. Due to the season, this currently only affects Tennis Centre West Ottawa.
Please refer to City of Ottawa/Recreation and
Ottawa
Public Health for up to date information as the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve.