From the tennis survey
Almost 700 homeowners responded to the tennis survey in fall 2010. Of those, 36 % are current tennis players, 14% are former players who hope to resume play, and 5% hope to take up tennis as a new sport. The remainder do not play or plan to play.
The average tennis player
The average tennis player is 67 years old, is a 3.5 player (USTA rating), and plays 3-4 times per week.
Clay or hard courts
The majority of players play on both hard courts and clay (64%) although most prefer hard courts (57%). However, conversion of Ironwood from clay to hard was a split opinion with equal numbers favoring and opposing conversion.
Top priorities for improvements at the new tennis facility
From the list of suggestions in the survey
- Better water coolers/fountains
- Better ball machines
From open-ended responses
- Repair/maintenance of the court surfaces
- Improved lighting
- Restroom facility for evening play
Top priority for lessons
- Doubles strategy
Top choices for activities
- Scheduled play among local members
- Socials for members
- Socials with other clubs
Most frequent topics mentioned (from open-ended comments)
- Prohibit league play during prime time
(Note: this will be brought to a vote of the tennis membership in spring of 2011)
- Improved/alternate reservation system
- Pickleball
(Note: A pickle ball committee is working on a phased plan to increase pickleball courts and introduce organized pickleball play in IronOaks.)
- Provision for non-member homeowners and their guests to use the newly acquired Oakwood courts
(Note: All homeowners and residents may use the courts for free on a walk on basis)
The Ad Hoc Racquet Committee will follow up on these responses, communicating the results and comments to the properties committee (regarding court improvements), to management and the facilities department (regarding maintenance of courts and grounds), to the new Tennis Club Board (regarding tennis programs and activities), to the long range planning committee regarding proposals for non-racquet sports, and to other committees and staff as appropriate.