Loton Park Tennis Club will open it’s doors for its annual Open Day on Saturday, its a chance for people to find out more about Perth’s LGBTIQ+ focussed tennis club and all it has to offer.
The club’s newly elected Vice President Ren Adams told OUTinPerth that the grass courts were in excellent condition for the start of the season, and a recent upgrade of the hard court has also been completed.
Adams became a member of the club two years ago and describes it as one of the best community groups in Perth.
“I used to play a lot of tennis as a kid, but I didn’t play for a long time when I moved to Melbourne. When I came back to Perth five years ago I discovered this club and finally came along, and it’s just been amazing. It’s a central part of my community now.”
Adams said that even if you don’t play tennis there’s a place for you at Loton Park and many people take out a social membership and enjoy the clubhouse facilities and watch the games from the verandah.
“There’s a diverse number of people involved in the club, ‘diversity is our advantage’ is our motto. We get all works of life and there’s a membership for everyone.” Adams said.
The club’s facilities were given a major renovation a few years ago when they celebrated the club’s centenary. The club struggled to maintain enough members in the early 1990’s and the decision was made to become an LGBTIQ+ focussed club, and since then the club has flourished.
The Open Day will be the first day the grass courts will be open for this year’s tennis season.
“They are looking absolutely amazing.” Adams said. “We’ve got a new groundskeeper who has done an incredible job. At the Open Day we’ll be welcoming new members, friends, family, and people the local community to see what Loton’s all about. We’re going to be cooking up a storm with our barbecue, and they’ll be lots of fun going on.”
“It’s a day for everyone, and the perfect time to sign up for membership, Saturday will be the last day for early bird membership for this season.”
The Tennis Club is not the only activity going on at the heritage listed clubhouse. The Bears have been long time residents at the venue hosting their regular events, and other sporting groups including the Perth Pythons Hockey Team also use the building.
Adams notes that in the last year the venues has been used for many social gatherings from Pride WA events to community members wedding festivities.
“It really is an amazing space and we love to share it with the whole community.” Adams said.
Head down to Loton Park’s Open Day on Saturday 12th October from 1pm. The club is on the corner of Bulwer and Lord Streets in Perth.
OIP Staff
