Membership & Fees

Q:  Are the courts public or private?  Can anyone play?

A: The courts are for Almonte Tennis Club members, but registration to join the club is open to the public – so anyone can join!  To register please visit the Membership section of the website (almontetennisclub.com).

Q: What are the membership rates for the Almonte Tennis Club?
A: Membership rates vary by age and type:

• Adult Full Season: $145 per season
• Junior Full Season (under 18): $75 per season
• Family Full Season (2 adults & children under 18): $300 per season
• Guest Pass or Trial Period: $30 for a one-time 2-week access (reimbursed on full membership purchase)

We also offer discounted rates for individuals or families facing financial constraints. Please contact us at tennisalmonte@gmail.com for more details.

Q: What’s included in the membership?  Is it worth the cost?
A: For regular players, a membership provides great value through unlimited access to courts, organized events, professional coaching, and a supportive social community. For most of our members the cost of playing tennis is under $2/hr. For people who aren’t sure about joining our two-week Guest Pass offers an affordable option to try it out. 

Q: Are there any additional fees beyond the membership cost?
A: No, our courts are always available for free open play whenever they aren’t being used by our scheduled programming! Additionally, we offer many free and low-cost programs to bring our players together. For those that are interested we also offer play and instructional programs at a variety of price points, both in groups and one-on-one.

Q: Why are the fees to play tennis in Almonte higher than some nearby communities?
A: Tennis fees vary due to differences in facility funding and operations. Some clubs receive significant municipal support, reducing fees, but the Almonte Tennis Club (ATC) operates independently. Unlike other clubs, ATC offers numerous programs and events for members at little or no additional cost, without limiting play hours or charging for court time. Most significantly, under our agreement with the Municipality, ATC covers costs related to insurance, facility maintenance, and capital projects, including saving for court renewal and facility rebuilding. These obligations contribute to the higher fees but will ensure long-term sustainability and quality facilities in the future.

Q: What do my fees pay for?
A: Your fees cover both annual operating costs (insurance, OTA dues, utilities, maintenance, equipment) and go toward savings for long-term capital expenses including facility repairs and court renewal or replacement.

Lessons & Coaching

Q: Does the club offer lessons for beginners and advanced players?
A: Yes! We offer group and private lessons for all skill levels, from juniors to adults. Lesson schedules and fees are available on our website (almontetennisclub.com)

Q: How do I sign up for lessons?
A: Members can register for small group lessons online at almontetennisclub.com or directly contact the instructor for private lessons. Instructors contact details are available on the website.

Connecting with other players

Q. How can I get started playing at the Almonte Tennis Club?

A. The Club Morning and Club Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays are the perfect place to drop-in and play some doubles games in a welcoming environment that’s fun first and competitive second.  Additionally, our Clinics and Club Play programming provide an opportunity to sharpen up your game if you’d prefer to do that before diving into Club play.

Q. How do I find other players of similar skill level for games?

A. Participating in Club Play programming is a great way to connect with other players. Getting to know other members will give you the opportunity to organize your own games with people of similar ability.  Still need help finding a partner?contact us at tennisalmonte@gmail.com and we may be able to connect you.

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Court Access

Q: When do the courts open and close for the season?
A: The regular season is from May 1st to October 31st. However, courts open as soon as weather permits in April, and the municipality sets up the nets.  The courts remain open until cold weather forces closure.

Q: What times are the courts available for play?
A: Courts are open daily from sunrise to 10:00 pm, weather permitting. Lit courts allow evening play on two of the courts.

Q: Why isn’t the lighting better for evening play?
A: The lighting is aging and requires replacement. One light fell in 2022, leading to inadequate illumination. Due to delays in court renewal, we plan to address the lighting issue in 2025.

Q: How do I book a court?
A: There is no booking of courts.  Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved for a Club-approved activity. Check the court schedule before heading out to play.

Q: What are the wait time rules?
A: If all courts are occupied, waiting time is limited to 30 minutes. Waiting players must indicate they are waiting, and after 30 minutes, players on the longest-occupied court must cede their court to those waiting.

Club Development & Facilities

Q: What is the club doing to maintain and renew its courts?
A: We are working with the Municipality to prioritize court renewal. We’ve invested savings from membership fees into a fund for court renewal and are exploring additional grants to improve facilities, including resurfacing courts and updating lighting.

Q: Will membership fees keep increasing?
A: While we strive to keep fees affordable, adjustments may be necessary to balance current costs and future obligations. Membership fees are expected to increase each year by a small cost of living increase to keep pace with inflation, but any fee increases will be carefully considered.

Q: Is there a capital savings plan for future improvements?
A: Yes. A portion of membership fees is allocated to a Capital Reserve Fund for long-term facility upgrades. We also seek contributions from donors and sponsors to support major future projects.

Community Partnerships & Involvement

Q: How does the club engage with the local community?
A: We partner with schools, businesses, and local organizations to promote tennis. Our community-focused programs include:

• Free access for schools and organizations through special reservations
• Equipment loans and member mentors
• Discounted memberships for youth
• Joint events with the Municipality

Q: Does the club offer volunteer opportunities?
A: Yes! We welcome volunteers for event planning, community outreach, coaching, and Board leadership. Reach out if you'd like to get involved at tennisalmonte@gmail.com.

Club Governance & Board Structure

Q: Who runs the Almonte Tennis Club?
A: The club is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected by the membership. The Board oversees operations, budgeting, programming, community relations, and long-term planning.

Q: How can I join the Board or provide input?
A: Members can nominate themselves for Board positions at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). We also encourage feedback to help improve the Club. You can provide input by completing surveys, speaking directly to Board members, or emailing us at tennisalmonte@gmail.com.

Almonte Tennis Club’s Agreement with the Municipality & Membership Fees

Q: What is the Almonte Tennis Club’s agreement with the Municipality?
A: Under our agreement, the Municipality owns the courts, but grants the ATC responsibility for managing and maintaining the tennis facility. The club must cover costs related to operations, maintenance, and capital improvements.

Q: What costs is the club responsible for under this agreement?
A: The ATC is responsible for:

• Operational costs (insurance, utilities, maintenance)
• Routine maintenance (court cleaning, net replacement, repairs)
• Capital expenses (court resurfacing, facility upgrades)
• A significant share of the costs for future facility renewal or replacement

Q: Why do the tennis courts look like they need repair?
A: The tennis courts are owned by the Municipality, and while the Almonte Tennis Club is responsible for their upkeep and maintenance, the funds for major repairs and renewal come from both the Club and the Municipality. Over time, the courts have experienced significant deterioration, and the Municipality has been slow to allocate the necessary funds for a full renewal. Despite this, the Club has been actively lobbying for improvements and has been setting aside savings to contribute to court resurfacing and facility upgrades. We are committed to working with the Municipality to ensure the courts are properly renewed and maintained in the future.

Q. Why does the club need to set aside money for future facility renewal?
A: Courts and facilities naturally degrade over time, and we are obligated to contribute a substantial share of the costs for renewal or replacement. Setting aside funds ensures we can provide high-quality courts in the future.

Q: Does the Municipality contribute funding for court renewal?
A: Yes, the Municipality may contribute, but the club is responsible for a significant portion of the costs. Our membership fees help ensure we can meet this obligation.

Q: How does this agreement benefit members?
A: By managing the facility, the club maintains control over court access, scheduling, and programming. Our proactive planning ensures members have access to well-maintained courts and secure long-term facilities.