Is tennis returning to Colborne?

If Cramahe Council buys back the Colborne Lawn Bowling Club at a special meeting on June 30, as is expected, it may become a unique attraction for the township.

Cramahe Township Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien confirmed a comment made by one of our Cramahe Now readers and former Colborne tennis instructor Marie Lachner. The concept of a grass tennis court is being considered.

Mrs. Lachner and the director had preliminary talks a week ago around the prospect of turning the lawn bowling green into a grass tennis court. If it happens it will be unique to this area and probably to Northumberland County.

The township already has on staff a trained and qualified turf specialist, Keeley Biron. The lawn is structured perfectly for tennis and there would be space for one court.

If the township gets grant money from Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RinC) for proposed park renovations on Earl Street there will be hardtopped courts too.

Cramahe Council approved a request for funding from (RinC)at its May 19 meeting.

Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien asked council at that meeting to allow him to request money for three projects estimated to cost $165,000.

Revitalization of the Earl St. tennis courts topped his list.

If money is received for the $50,000 project it would bring the courts to an acceptable standard and encourage accredited tennis programs, noted the director in his May 19 report. In the opinion of the director the courts are now unusable for tennis.

The grass court, by itself, would be a significant draw. Grass is easier on the legs and knees - a boon to older players.

Mr. O'Brien has surveyed the former clubhouse of the lawn bowling club and says it's in beautiful condition. He has asked Mrs. Lachner to advise him what the township would be asked to provide if the idea goes forward.

For tennis players, the prospects look enticing - at least three courts, one of them grass, and a clubhouse would make a wonderful tennis complex.

If the township does buy the land it has been stipulated by the lawn bowling club that the land be used for recreation.

The township sold the land to the lawn bowling club in 2000 for $2.