Tennis, Anyone? Guayabitos has Public Courts
Tara A. Spears
Whether you’re interested in an occasional game or wish to play regularly, the Guayabitos Tennis Club is open to the public. The very well maintained venue is on the main street, Av sol Nuevo, next to the ecological park. If you’re interested in tennis but don’t know how to play, lessons are available. Don’t have a partner? No problem if you come between 7 and 9 am any day you will be guaranteed to find others to play. There are also pickleball courts- with regular participants- for all fans of the game. “We’re a friendly group,” said longtime pickleball enthusiast, Nancy. People of all ages and ability levels meet to play both net sports, most doing it to stay in shape rather than serious competition.
About 20 years ago the Hotel Penamar donated the funds and built the tennis courts on government land as part of the Guayabitos Ecological Park. Since then, the Club de Raquita has been maintained and improved through collecting fees by a committee comprised of national and international members: Luis and Robert. They continually resurface and repaint the court lines besides purchasing nets as needed. The committee keeps the area clean with providing a plastic recycle bin and trash pickup. During the daily regular sessions, there are spectator chairs.
There are also dedicated Pickleball Courts that are in excellent condition. Although there are a minimal amount of balls supplied, it’s best to bring extra as well. 8:30 am to 6:00 pm is open play, allowing folks to paddle up in groups of four if 10 paddles are waiting. Due to the high demand November through April, it’s advised to sign up for court time.
There is an informal league that operates November through April. Don’t worry if you’re solo- bring your racquet and meet new people. The cost during high season is: $200 Pesos/week; or $500 Pesos/month; or $1,000 Pesos/year. The league fees are used to maintain existing courts and to save to build future courts.
For more information about the tennis league, contact Robert Germain – guayabitospickleball@gmail.com.
