History Page

History of the Leisure World Tennis Club

By Wes Robertson

Some of the first purchasers of homes in Leisure World were tennis players.  There were no courts available initially, but purchasers obtained a pledge that they would be built.  The first meeting of the future Tennis Club was held February 19, 1975 with six residents in attendance:  Mr. and Mrs. C.K. Chatten, Mr. and Mrs. Zenor, Mr. H.S. McCoy, and Mr. M.J. Nunn.  The two new courts were opened on undeveloped land that is now located between manors 670 and 671 on the North, and the Executive golf course on the South.  Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the two new courts took place April 23, 1975.

Mr. C.K. Chatten was president of the club the first year.  The Club has had 22 presidents.  Four have served multi-year terms: Ed Kingsley 1976 – 80, Bob Helman 1983 – 85, Joe Gumber 1986 – 89, Pete Wilson 2001 – 04.

By the mid 1980’s the club had grown to the point where people were lining up at midnight to sign up for court time.  In 1986 plans were made to add six more courts.  However, this was scaled back to four courts when the developer limited the amount of land available.  Four additional courts were opened adjoining the Administration Building in 1988.  In making funds available to help with the cost of the courts, the developer wrote:

“It is apparent that the original planners of Leisure World did not conceive or expect that those retiring in the 1980’s would be as physically active as we are seeing.  In this regard we recognize the commitment of the residents of Leisure World to plan, develop and finance the building of additional tennis courts.

We recognize that the prospect of these courts has already produced new home sales and because we feel that an active tennis program, as planned by the tennis community, will develop additional sales we recognize a common interest in building outstanding facilities.”

The membership of the club was 112 in 1986 and increased to 167 in 1988 due to the added courts.  There was a decline to 146 in 1991, then steady increases have taken place.  Membership is now 240.

The Club holds a number of social functions each year.  Some are social get togethers such as the “Welcome Back” party in October and “Farewell” party in April.  In addition there are several dinner/dances each season, as well as Fun Days on the Courts along with a Pancake Breakfast.

Since inception club members have made themselves available to help others learn the game or brush up on their skills.  Each Wednesday at 1:00 PM there are two courts available to help new players, and those wanting to improve .

Club members play against other communities – both in the East Valley Senior Tennis League which is made up of 15 communities involving 2300 players at many different skill levels; and with Saturday tournaments against eight communities.  These matches are played half at home and half away, so have a neutral impact on court availability to Leisure World residents .

In recent years there have been more teams signing up for tournaments than can be accommodated during daylight hours.  

In 2000 the Capital Improvement Committee invited proposals for new or improved facilities.  Eventually this was narrowed down to three projects which did not include additional courts.  Gene Watson and then Pete Wilson promoted additional courts.  In February, 2003 Pete Wilson organized a pledge drive which resulted in club members pledging $70,000 towards additional courts.

Membership in the tennis club is limited to Leisure World residents.  The tennis courts are available to any resident or guest on a booking basis.  Open tennis (known as "Pot Luck") is held each morning on Courts 3 and 4 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

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Leisure World Tennis Club Web Site Launched November 22, 2004.  President Wes Robertson authorized the development of a web page specifically for the Tennis Club. The Computer Club has offered all clubs and organizations in Leisure World, the opportunity to share its hosting server in New Jersey. The Tennis Club was one of the first organizations to take advantage of this offer.

The purpose of the web page is to provide a forum for the exchange of information, news, schedules and activities of the tennis club. It is anticipated that our web presence will be a dynamic documentation of the latest news and activities not only in our own club but in the tennis world generally.

It is suggested that members put the web address in their favorites or on their desktops so that they can access the site frequently. As the web page gets fully developed , it is anticipated that club minutes, social activity details and playing schedules be submitted by chair persons and team captains. This site is availabe to anyone who wishes to publish matters of interest to tennis players.

Tennis Club members who do not have computers should feel free to visit the Computer Center where a volunteer Monitor will assist them in accessing the Tennis Club Web Site.

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The club was originally called the Rossmoor Racquet Club. Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the opening of the two original courts took place at 10:00 AM on April 23, 1975. Opening day and celebration for courts 3, 4, 5, and 6 occurred on February 5, 1988.

The club that started with about a dozen members in 1975 has grown to 240 members in 2004. Now the two court areas are linked by a charming walkway from the Promenade, along the lake to Courts 1 and 2.

The five people below are all past presidents.  Ed Kingsley 1976-80, Bob Thomas 1982-83, Dorothy Wasill 1980-81, George Webber 1985-86, Joe Gumber 1986-89