A Love of Tennis began in 2003, with a vision to revitalize and restore community tennis courts as safe, welcoming spaces for connection and play. 

Danielle Smith was nearing retirement at CHEO as a nurse at the neonatal intensive care unit. She noticed the deteriorating tennis courts at Hillcrest High School (600 Smyth Rd.), located just across the street. Once a valued community asset, the four hard courts fell into disrepair as they were buried under leaves and overgrown with weeds. The courts were made unsafe by its cracked surfaces, tilted net posts and missing nets.

Recognizing both the need and the opportunity, Danielle arranged a meeting with the school
principal. That led to a shared vision to restore the courts and establish a long-term lease agreement which still stands today. A Love of Tennis operates and maintains the courts, while the school retains daytime access, allowing students to benefit from the facilities during school hours.

In response to the condition of the courts, Danielle secured a $33,000 grant from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation to resurface them. This marked the beginning of the
organization, transforming the Hillcrest courts into a safe, vibrant and accessible space for both
students and the surrounding community.

Following the success at Hillcrest, the organization expanded to Ridgemont High School (2597 Alta Vista Dr.) in the nearby Alta Vista community. Ridgemont’s two hard courts had also become neglected over the years and through additional funding and community effort, they were restored. Together, the Hillcrest and Ridgemont sites now form the foundation of A Love of Tennis programming and community engagement.

In 2012, A Love of Tennis received national charitable status, marking an important milestone in its
growth and long-term sustainability. Since then, the organization has reached more than 12,000
children and youth across Ottawa, while continuing to expand its programming and impact.
Today, A Love of Tennis delivers inclusive tennis opportunities for children, youth and adults.
Programs include youth development for ages 5 to 18, half-day summer camps for teenagers,
various girls’ events and tournaments and team tennis programs for both children and adults;
encouraging match play for those ready to take their skills to the next level. In addition to structured
programming, court access is available to the community during non-program hours. This is accessible upon donation, allowing families and individuals to enjoy the courts while supporting their upkeep and long-term sustainability.

All programs operate on a no-cost, donation-based model, ensuring that financial barriers do not
impede on participation, while inviting those who are able to contribute to the sustainability of the
programs. Equipment is provided, and programming takes place at the Hillcrest and Ridgemont
courts.

At its core, A Love of Tennis promotes lifelong health, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging
through sport. A key focus is the development of teamwork and physical literacy,
helping participants build confidence, coordination and a foundation for lifelong physical activity.
Many youth participants return as volunteers, continuing to be part of the community while
developing leadership skills, as well as giving back.

Since its founding, the organization has made a meaningful community impact. All six courts across sites have been refurbished and upgraded with junior lines to support skill development.
Volunteers have contributed over 10,000 hours and six tennis professionals have been certified
through Tennis Canada after participating in and supporting the programs. Equipment and training
have also been provided to schools across Ottawa to help introduce tennis into physical education.
Programs continue to see a high retention rate, reflecting strong community engagement and
participant experience. Many individuals who begin as participants remain involved over time,
strengthening the sense of community that defines the organization.

Looking ahead, A Love of Tennis has an exciting year of growth and development. The organization
is currently focused on resurfacing all six courts to maintain safe and high-quality playing conditions. Fundraising efforts are also underway to restore the existing court lighting at Hillcrest, with the goal of having it operational by the fall to expand evening access and programming.
Additional plans include enhancing site infrastructure, including a more permanent canopy structure
to maintain programming under various weather conditions, while improving the overall participant
experience.

As the organization continues to grow, its focus remains on expanding programs, strengthening
community partnerships and ensuring that tennis remains accessible, inclusive and welcoming to
all. Another key priority is the continued growth of women’s and girls’ programming. Supporting equity, confidence and leadership in sport in alignment with Tennis Canada and National Bank’s Girls. Set. Match initiative.