L to R: KTA Members Dino Petricola, Executive Board Member Jim Brown, John Manias, Nick Di Menna
Photo: Cathy Stephenson
The Kingsville Tennis Association has been serving the residents of Kingsville and its visitors since 1968. Recently, the Kingsville Times had the opportunity to speak with Agnes Ferguson of the Kingsville Tennis Association to discuss its place in the sports lineup for the summer months.
Kingsville Times:
What is your role with the Kingsville Tennis Association?
Agnes Ferguson:
I am the Board Member in charge of league play and tournaments.
KT:
Can you describe the management structure of the KTA?
AF:
Our members include President Harry Roettele (Founding Member), Treasurer Arleigh Fysh (Founding Member), and Board Members Agnes Ferguson, Jim Brown, Kim Brissette, Patti Russell, Rick Stephenson, and, our newest Executive Board Member Shannon Barnwell. Shannon also serves as our tennis coach.
L to R: Founding Members Harry Roettele (current President ) and Arleigh Fysh (Treasurer)
Photo: Shannon Barnwell
KT:
What effect did COVID have on your season last year?
AF:
In 2020, the courts were quite busy with single play by appointment only. While tennis is a socially-distanced sport, we did not have league play last year.
KT:
What protocols will be in place to allow members to stay safe while enjoying their sport this season?
AF:
Now that we have the green light from the Province to proceed with our season, we will continue to follow Tennis Canada guidelines and continue to practice social distancing. Hand sanitizers are also provided in the courts.
KT:
How many tennis courts do we have in Kingsville and how many are associated with KTA?
AF:
Kingsville has four tennis courts associated with KTA, all located at the Kingsville Arena Complex. There are tennis courts in Cottam however these do not fall under the management of KTA.
KTA members Arlene and Al Abes
Photo: Cathy Stephenson
KT:
During a normal operating season, what are your hours of operation?
AF:
Under normal circumstances, we have scheduled league play Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Scheduled league play mornings from 10:00 a.m. to noon but the days are dependent upon the demand from members.
Scheduled tennis lessons take place on week days from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Scheduled drop in/training is available on Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
KT:
Can non-members access these courts? If yes, what is the cost involved? Are there limited hours for open play?
AF:
Courts are available to the public from noon to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. The cost is currently $6.00 per hour of play. This is paid by coin in order to gain access to the courts.
KT:
Are you sharing your courts with pickleball players?
AF:
These are dedicated tennis courts only.
KTA Members
Photo: Shannon Barnwell
KT:
What are the advantages to membership with the KTA? Is there a minimum or maximum age for members?
AF:
Members will enjoy extended hours of play, discounted lessons with our tennis coach Shannon Barnwell, and organized league play. There is no minimum or maximum age to join. We welcome all ages!
We have all skill levels within our membership. Some of our members have played for five decades and some are new players who have just taken up the sport. We also have multi-generational families that play tennis with the KTA.
Tennis is a great way to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors while meeting new people. Each year, we offer tennis camps for children. We also host the local high school students for approximately six weeks as part of their physical education program. It is our goal to establish a youth league in the near future.
Questions about KTA can be directed to:
Shannon Barnwell
s.barnwell@hotmail.com
Agnes Ferguson
inezandjim@hotmail.com
Visit KTA social media links at:
Facebook
Kingsville Tennis Association
Instagram
kingsvilletennisassociation