Crystal Lake Park District Racket Club Receives Grant from the Midwest Youth Tennis & Education Foundation

The Racket Club, a Crystal Lake Park District facility, was recently awarded a grant from the Midwest Youth Tennis & Education Foundation, the “Philanthropic Arm of the USTA/Midwest Section”. This grant will allow The Racket Club to introduce very progressive youth tennis instruction methods into the Crystal Lake Park District Extended Time program at District 47 schools. Extended Time (ET) is a Crystal Lake Park District before and after school program providing safe, reliable care for students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Glacier Ridge, Canterbury, Coventry, Hussmann, Indian Prairie, North, West, South, and Woodscreek Elementary Schools, as well as at Spoerl Park (kindergarten only).

With this grant, Extended Time participants will receive instruction in “10 & Under Tennis”. 10 & Under Tennis incorporates smaller racquets, special larger and slower balls, small portable nets, and smaller court dimensions.  The instructional approach also differs in that fun games and non-competitive activities promote enjoyment rather than stress in youngsters who are just learning the fundamentals.  Extended Time does not currently feature tennis, but thanks to this grant The Racket Club will be able to purchase equipment and send an instructor three times per week to District 47 Extended Time sites from March through May.  Hopefully, this will start a trend in the community that results in greater interest and participation in tennis.

The Racket Club, located at 9101 South Route 31, one mile south of Rakow Road in Algonquin, is one of Illinois’ finest indoor/outdoor tennis facilities. The Crystal Lake Park District operates The Racket Club as a self-supporting membership facility. The club features: 9 cushioned indoor hard courts with excellent indirect lighting, 4 hard and 3 fast-dry clay outdoor courts, a beautiful clubhouse, practice lane with ball machine, lounge and viewing area, locker rooms and a fully stocked tennis pro shop. In addition, The Racket Club has complete year-round tennis programs offering permanent and open court time seven days a week, lesson programs for all ages and abilities, certified professionals, activities for adult and juniors, and competitive travel leagues. Visit the club online at www.theracketclub.org for photos and additional information or call (847) 658-5688.

For further information about the Crystal Lake Park District Extended Time program, contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 220.