Grand Slam celebrations for Parkville Tennis Club’s 120th anniversary

A northside Melbourne institution, the Parkville Tennis Club, has celebrated its 120th anniversary in style.

A gathering of members both past and present was held at the Royal Parade clubhouse this October in honour of the club’s foundation in 1904.

Club president Anne Phefley said Parkville’s three courts remain a favourite for Melburnian tennis lovers and attracted a very diverse and friendly crowd.

“Tennis is a very social sport and there is no dominant demographic, gender or age group that plays here,” she said.

“It’s important to have a vibrant sport culture and tennis is a sport you can play almost as long as you can walk.”

“Seeing people at the anniversary party who have been with the club since the ‘70s mingling with young people who have just joined us, having a laugh and talking about matches they’d won was so lovely,” Ms Phefley said.

“It was like a big family reunion.”

Parkville residents decided to found the club in 1903, establishing it first in Royal Park before relocating to the club’s current Royal Parade address in 1912.

The then-asphalt courts were replaced with the more popular red porous surface of crushed brick in 1936.

The club collaborated with the City of Melbourne to resurface the courts in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and the council also replaced the club’s court lighting with energy efficient LEDs this year.

Ms Phefley says members are already looking towards the 150th anniversary.

“We want to keep the same excellent court standards, our friendly atmosphere, and encourage people to stay active and to play a sport,” she said.

The club welcomes newcomers, be they experienced players or just curious to pick up a racquet for the first time.

Parkville hosts social tennis events four times a week.

The club is open to non-members on Tuesday evenings, and on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons for all skill levels.

The Tuesday sessions are free and are followed by a light supper, while Wednesday and Sunday are free for the first four weeks, then $5 per person thereafter.

On Fridays, more advanced players can also access the court for $5 per person.

“There’s always a way to help people come back to or take up tennis,” Ms Phefley said. •