Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1239387
| OHCC LIVING | MAY 2020 | 33 Racquet Club While the path ahead is unclear, it's a great time for a 'throwback' story about the origination of the Racquet Club. In l985, a small group of Leisure Village residents viewed the two new tennis courts and two paddle tennis courts and said, "Let's play and have some fun!" The original Racquet Club was formed and members were ready to participate in tennis, paddle tennis, and table tennis. With the election of officers, and Roberts Rule of Order tossed aside, everyone's ideas were considered. The meetings were well attended with much laughter and enthusiasm, and the legacy of warm camaraderie commenced. Tennis and paddle tournaments were held here, and lunch was often a great Leo Gardarian hamburger. There were also many exchange tournaments with other tennis and paddle clubs. The ladies held their own annual play day and luncheon too. The courts were so busy that Leisure Tec responded to the Racquet Club's numerous requests and built three additional paddle courts and two more tennis courts with covered patios and even more paved parking. Tennis player's traded racquets for paint brushes long enough to paint the patio cover. Of course, they had a party afterwards. Jerry MacDonald built the practice backboards and storage boxes. Night lighting was installed on courts 1 and 2 as well as the older paddle courts for evening play. In 2007, water volleyball was added as a Racquet Club sport; and in 2008, pickleball, the universally popular senior sport, was introduced here at Ocean Hills. Today, all the net sports have drop-in play days where everyone is welcome. Current village residents now enjoy the many additional facilities that were gifted to us because of the efforts of early Racquet Club members, and the generosity of Leisure Tec–who realized how energetic, enthusiastic, and athletic, "Active 55+ seniors" can be. Today, in 2020, there are more than 350 members. In keeping with the original Racquet Club members' mantra, "Let's play and have fun," let's all look forward to the day when we will continue our energetic array of ongoing games, parties, clinics, tournaments and social connectedness that makes OHCC such a special place! Throwback to the first Racquet Club Members Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.