The Quechee Club in Quechee, Vt. will soon add a unique activity to its wide variety of offerings and amenities. In early August 2013, the club is expected to begin construction of two paddle tennis courts, which once completed, will bring an additional year-round activity to the club.
Paddle tennis (or platform tennis) differs from traditional tennis in a variety of ways. Traditionally a winter sport played on a raised court, players use a special ball designed to bounce in colder temperatures, and solid rackets featuring vent holes. The Quechee Club’s paddle tennis courts will include an 800-square-foot observation deck and a 500-square-foot enclosed “warming hut” that will provide a heated space for spectators and participants.
“[Paddle tennis] has been an area of interest for a number of members over the years, and we wanted to expand our year-round offerings,” explained Dan Preston, the recreation director for The Quechee Club.
Court sports are already an integral component of The Quechee Club’s membership. Eleven existing tennis courts grace the 5,500 acres that make up the club’s grounds.
Although court sports have declined in popularity in traditional health clubs over the past decade, Preston believes they’re still a good investment for high-end clubs to make. “In the short time we’ve had the idea for the paddle courts approved, we’ve received positive feedback from our membership,” he said. “The opportunity for courts sports and the interest is there.”
Recently, a nearby competitor decommissioned its court sport activities, and Preston hopes the club will be able to pick up new members as a result of the closing. “That should give us an additional opportunity to reach out to new people,” he said.
To bolster the paddle courts exposure, The Quechee Club partnered with the Norwich Racquet Club to host the Green Mountain Open Tournament, which will take place on November 2-3, 2013. The tournament is a part of the American Platform Tennis Association’s series of tournaments, and will feature the top paddle tennis players in the state of Vermont.
Construction of the courts is expected to complete in September 2013. The Quechee Club will host an open house on October 19, 2013, where the club’s paddle tennis pro, Rob Parker, will introduce the game to those unfamiliar with the sport and coordinate exhibition games.
By Rachel Zabonick
