Ground has broken on a new indoor tennis dome in Chatham that will operate year-round.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday at the site on Bear Line Road and McNaughton Avenue in Chatham.
The $2.2 million tennis dome will be part of a 20-acre regional park on lands donated by St. Clair College and is phase 1 of the park.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said it's a big first step for the regional park and called it "an amazing project."
Tennis Canada and Rogers donated $200,000 in February for the covered tennis courts and the mayor thanked them along with St. Clair College for donating the land for the regional park and Hydro One for their contributions to the Bear Line park.
"We're honoured to be one of only six communities in Canada to receive funding from Tennis Canada and Rogers as part of their Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program," said Canniff. "This tennis dome, and the entire Bear Line park, will provide another great venue for Chatham-Kent residents to have fun, learn new skills, and live more healthy and active lifestyles."
Stephanie Chapados and her husband Mark are getting much of the credit for pushing for the indoor tennis dome.
They previously told CK News Today they were tired of traveling to other communities to play tennis during the winter and want to grow the sport in Chatham-Kent.
"We want to grow tennis here, not only in the community, but hopefully regionally as well. This is a big win for everyone," said Stephanie Chapados.
Anyone interested in booking spring and summer lessons or team building activities can call 289-879-4600 or go to tennisclubs.ca.
Ten pickleball courts, a cricket pitch, an outdoor pitch primarily for rugby, two sports courts, a playground and open play area, and a recreational trail are also planned for the regional park.