Tennis legend Todd Woodbridge and some of Victoria’s elite junior players helped The Hon James Merlino, MP, Minister for Sport and Recreation officially open two new water efficient tennis courts at Dendy Park Tennis Club (Brighton) on Thursday 13 November at 9am.

Todd Woodbridge, along with local elite players Marvin Barker (Hampton) and Julian Arnold (Elwood) tested the new courts, which are an initiative of Tennis Victoria, Tennis Australia, the Smart Water Fund and Dendy Park Tennis Club.

The ongoing impact of the drought has been a major challenge for the Victorian tennis community, especially for clubs that have the popular red porous court surface.

Dendy Park Tennis Club constructed four courts using chemical additives, bentonite and latex to help absorb and retain water in the court’s layers. This in turn will reduce the amount of water required for upkeep without compromising the playability of the courts.

“The partnership formed with the Victorian Government's Smart Water Fund, Tennis Australia, Dendy Park Tennis Club and the tennis industry has proven very effective in the ongoing management of water resources.

We are determined to ensure Tennis remains focused on water conservation so communities can continue to access the many benefits of our sport,” says Ian Clark, CEO of Tennis Victoria.

Tennis Victoria hopes this technology will provide both a sustainable and cost effective option for more clubs looking to conserve water.

“Tennis Victoria is delighted with the results of the Dendy Park Tennis Club water saving initiative. It has been very important to research a number of technologies to provide choices to our vast network of clubs and other facility operators,” says Mr Clark.

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+ www.smartwater.com.au

+ www.tennisvic.com.au

+ www.tennis.com.au