Tennis players in Chatham-Kent are optimistic they will be able to play the sport year-round, but they still have a lot of ground to cover to meet their fundraising goal.
Indoor Courts CK is planning to build an air-supported structure for an indoor tennis facility at the Doug Allin courts location, which would be the first covered tennis facility in the community.
So far, the group has secured about a third of the money they need to build the facility.
"We received a grant through Tennis Canada and Rogers as well as support from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent," said Head Organizer Stephanie Chapados. "The total for the project is $1.2 million. So far, we have received $400,000 on the condition that we raise the remaining $800,000 by the end of this year."
Chapados said because the location is located on school property, the project is also in partnership with the Lambton-Kent District School Board.
"The school board has given us their full support to make this happen," said Chapados.
The group recently raised $1,200 through a community bottle drive. Chapados said local restaurants have also helped by making small contributions by saving bottles and collecting donations.
"I'm confident when we can do this. I think it's just about getting the word out there," said Chapados. "Having Rogers as a backing, it's massive for the community. Here are these big [organizations] like Rogers and Tennis Canada that want to invest in our community."
For more information about the group and where to donate, click here.