![](https://www.tennis.com.au/sa/files/2019/09/IMG_6435-700x450.jpg)
The second Tennis SA Grass Courts Forum presented as part of the Tennis SA’s Places to Play Forum Series was recently held at Reade Park Lawn Tennis Club.
Attendees heard from a variety of speakers including Reade Park Lawn Tennis Club President, Tom Twelftree, who discussed the club’s recent journey. Tom took the time to highlight the club’s growth in memberships and social play, as well as initiatives taken to streamline club process and create efficiencies.
The forum also welcomed Di Stor from the Millswood Lawn Bowls Club, which has used Barefoot Bowls to revive the once withering club by encouraging and facilitating social avenues of play, with less formal procedures in order to welcome new people into the club. Many of which are now playing within traditional competitions, which has helped to boost the clubs memberships numbers beyond expectations.
“We applaud both Reade Park Lawn Tennis Club and Millswood Bowls Clubs for firstly identifying that tradition was restricting their ability to grow membership and stifle their sustainability, and secondly, to do something radical to change their future,” said Brett Hidson, General Manager-Venues and Government Relations, and host for the forum.
Prior to lunch, the group were treated to a presentation from Reade Park Lawn Tennis Club green-keepers, James Gregory and Brendan Fisher, before taking the group on a tour of the grounds, showing off the 14 grass courts and the maintenance facilities and equipment.
As advised by Hidson, Tennis SA aims to support and assist the grass tennis court clubs and venues as they are an integral part of our history and our efforts to preserve these is important.