Coach Greg Gunn outside the new wheelchair facilities at Fountain Gate Tennis Club.Right: Coaches Simon Poa and Greg Gunn with Marnabek students Jacob, Tiffany, Kylani, Ben, Aaron, Marcus, Riley and Travis.
CASEY mayor Kevin Bradford and Fountain Gate Tennis Club president Rob Osborne have unveiled a series of wheelchair-friendly additions to the club.
The City of Casey and the club successfully applied for a Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities Grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria of $50,000.
The City of Casey also contributed $100,000 to the initiative, which has enabled the delivery of sporting facilities that are both accessible and inclusive.
The funding has enabled an extension to the clubhouse for an accessible toilet facility and additional storage space, the conversion of two en-tout-cas courts to modgrass, levelling of concrete paths and widening of the entrance for easy access to courts, and the installation of an accessible picnic table.
“It is important that people of all abilities have access to sporting facilities and the opportunity to be involved in sporting clubs,” Cr Bradford said.
“The City of Casey is currently rolling out an assessment program in partnership with sporting clubs to ensure they are accessible to everyone.”
Mr Osborne said the improvements had already increased membership and participation from people of all abilities, particularly children from Marnebek Specialist School in Cranbourne and Kalimna Adults Support Options in Narre Warren.
On the corner of Princes Highway and Raven Crescent in Narre Warren, the club has recently employed senior coach Greg Gunn, who has extensive experience with working with beginners to elite athletes nationally and internationally.
For more information regarding Fountain Gate Tennis Club, contact secretary Marlene Fox on 9796 6137.
