The Portage Tennis Club is preparing to welcome the public back onto its courts as it looks to rebuild membership and revive interest in the sport through an upcoming open house in early May.
Club president Jim Malenchak says the organization is working to re-establish itself after a quieter period, with volunteers already preparing the facilities at Island Park for the spring season and regular play underway.
“We’re trying to reorganize the club, it’s kind of been hibernating for a few years, and we want to bring it out more to the public,” Malenchak says.
The club will host an open house on Sunday, May 3, from 1 to 4 p.m., inviting residents of all ages and skill levels to try tennis, meet members and take part in introductory lessons.
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“We’ve been playing already, and we cleaned off the courts, ready to go,” Malenchak says.
He adds that equipment will be available for those new to the sport, including rackets and balls, with members on hand to help beginners learn the basics in a casual setting.
“Come and try tennis. If you haven’t played, come and try. Come and meet the members because we’ll help you learn how to play. For beginners, we’ll give lessons, or we’ll help you learn how to play the game and enjoy the game,” Malenchak says.
Courts and access
The club operates what members describe as the city’s only two viable tennis courts, with Malenchak noting other facilities in the area have fallen into disrepair or are no longer actively used for tennis.
Members of the Portage Tennis Club gather at the Island Park courts in Portage la Prairie as the group works to rebuild interest in the sport locally. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt
He notes that while membership supports upkeep and programming, the courts remain open for public use.
“The public has access to the courts. So as a member, you might get priority on key times when the courts are booked but you have free access to play if you want,” Malenchak says.
Membership fees help fund maintenance and programming, including repairs and general upkeep done by volunteers.
“That’s why we got the courts in this kind of shape is because of volunteers and people paying their fees,” Malenchak says.
Rebuilding interest in tennis
The club acknowledges shifting recreational trends, with many former players moving toward pickleball in recent years. Malenchak says participation in tennis has declined compared to earlier decades when membership was stronger.
“A lot of our ex-members are playing pickleball, and we don’t have any people coming up like they used to,” Malenchak says.
Still, he notes there is renewed interest from some new players who have chosen tennis over other options.
“We’re trying to reconstruct it,” Malenchak says.
New players find their game
Some residents are already discovering the sport through informal play. Dave Bertin, who recently started playing, says he was encouraged to try tennis for recreation and exercise.
Sandra McEwing, who also began playing recently, says she chose tennis over pickleball because of its style and physical challenge.
“We chose tennis over pickleball because tennis is a more gracious sport. It’s not as bashy with the sound. It just feels more elegant,” McEwing says.
She adds that the setting and social aspect are part of what keeps her coming back.
“It’s a beautiful location. We’re not trying to beat each other, we’re trying to engage in a recreational activity rather than a competition,” McEwing says.
The Portage Tennis Club says membership fees help cover ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the courts, with rates set at $30 for a couple, $20 for an adult, and $15 for juniors under 18.
Club organizers say the funds are used for things like repairs, equipment, and general improvements, with much of the work also supported by volunteers.