Message from the President

2013 opening newsletter

Hello tennis fans:    

Believe it or not, another tennis season is just around the corner. First, the bad news: Just as last year saw our opening delayed by the installation of new and improved lighting, we are again facing a potential opening delay. Visitors to Hillcrest Park would have noticed that Superstorm Sandy did a number on the fences around the courts. The city informs us that the repair will be done in the Spring and we're hopeful that there will be little or no interference with the start of our season. Please check the website as we will post status updates there as soon as any info is available.

2012 was another successful year for Wychwood as we continue to experience high demand for membership at the club. Only in its first year, our waiting list already contains well over 250 applicants. As we strive to serve our community, the eligibility criteria for returning members will be redefined as those who were members in any of the previous two years. This is a change from our current criteria of three years and the change will be effective starting with the 2014 season. Please direct any questions regarding this new definition to me or any of the club's executive committee.

With so many applicants on the waiting list, any prospective new members are invited to send in application forms in order to secure a spot on the waiting list. These application forms do not require payment to be included at this time. For those applicants who have already secured a spot on the waiting list, an application form is not required. As spaces are available, successful waiting list applicants will be notified and payment will then be arranged. You may email "> to verify your position on the waiting list.

Looking ahead to the 2013 season, there are a few noteworthy items:

Fence Repairs:

Unfortunately, the City has given us a vague timeline of “Spring 2013” for the repair of the fence. We will hope for the best and we appreciate your understanding and patience. Stay tuned as we keep you posted on the progress.

Membership Application Notes:

As the demand for membership at Wychwood Tennis Club continues to grow, our membership process must continue to evolve to best serve our community. Just a reminder of some important info.

Returning Members: Please note that if you were a member in any of the past 3 years (2012, 2011 or 2010), you qualify as a returning member for the 2013 season. That means that if you send in your application before March 15th, you will be guaranteed membership for the 2013 season. Beginning in 2014, the 'Returning Member” definition will be narrowed to include those who were members in the last 2 years only.

Waiting List: Introduced in 2012, the Waiting List is already well-populated. Once returning members have been given a chance to rejoin, folks on the waiting list will be offered membership for any remaining spots in the Club. Interested new applicants who opt-in to the waiting list will be ordered sequentially by the date on which their application was received.

Separate Payments for Membership and Lessons: We will continue to require separate cheque payments for membership and for lessons. This will allow the membership application to be processed even if you weren't able to get in to the lesson you requested.

To refresh your memory on the membership application process:

  • Returning members whose application is received with payment by mail by March 15th, 2013 will be guaranteed membership. Any new members who send in their application will have their information put on the Waiting List, unless otherwise indicated on the application form.
  • Between March 16th and April 6th, any available spaces will be offered to the applicants on the Waiting List. All members will be notified by e-mail or phone by April 6th if their application is accepted.
  • The cap for adults is 440 (including seniors); there is no cap for juniors or children.

Please mail your application immediately to increase your odds of joining!

Luck continues to be on our side as we happily welcome back some familiar faces: Jeff Peer as our Court Supervisor/Assistant Pro, Nancy Huang as Assistant Court Supervisor, Jaime Estrada returns as Head Pro and Jose Vidal joins us again to round out the staff. Look to Jeff for court bookings, social doubles, ladder, house league and tournament coordination. You'll also find him cooking a mean burger or dog at our social BBQs!  He can also help you find a hitting partner, or someone for a competitive match.

Jaime is your man if you're interested in lessons at any level, for adults or children. See the enclosed Lesson Application Form. You're given the option to select a 2nd and 3rd choice for lessons in case your 1st choice has filled up. Also enclosed is the Summer Camp application; Jaime reports the camps are very popular, so get yours in right away.  As Assistant Pro, Jeff will also be teaching a number of lessons.

See below for several “Dates to Remember” for the 2013 Season. We'll keep the website calendar updated throughout the summer. We look forward to seeing you on Opening Day, Saturday April 20th  to pick up your shoe tag , re-connect with old friends and enjoy some refreshments!

Debbie Chenier

WTC President