We are excited to announce that we will have our outdoor tennis courts open for play beginning Thursday, May 7th! The har tru courts will be available as soon as the nets are put up. The basketball court, playground and general gathering areas are still closed at this time.

PLEASE READ THE BELOW INFORMATION REGARDING THE OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS:

  • Guests are only permitted for clinics and lessons on the courts at this time.  Only members may use the courts for regular play.
  • When coming to play, bring as few personal items on the court as possible.
  • Bring your own water.  We will not provide water on the courts.
  • When entering/exiting the courts, do not latch the gates on the courts behind you – court gates should remain unlatched to reduce surface contact.  The back gate with the code to get into the club should remain closed at all times.
  • Play will be limited to 90 minutes for doubles and 60 minutes for singles when others are waiting to play.  Courts can’t be reserved so please be courteous.  Everyone wants to play!
  • If court space allows, do not play on adjacent courts.  
  • Each player should use their own balls unless you are from the same immediate family (see specific guidelines and recommendations below).
  • Bathrooms will be available as soon as staffing allows for daily cleaning.   Bathrooms will be available for your use but please note they are only being cleaned once per day.
  • The ball machine is not available until further notice.
  • Groups larger than 10 are not permitted and social distancing guidelines should be followed.

Lesson and Clinic Player Guidelines  

  • Lessons and clinics are permitted with a maximum of 4 people.
  • Non-members are allowed but must pay $10 guest fees to the gate attendant  or to the Pro if a gate attendant is not available.
  • Non-members must complete the guest waiver form online BEFORE attending a lesson.
  • Serving is not recommended. 
  • Current lesson/clinics students must exit the court area before the next student(s) enter the court area. 
  • Players must bring their own water. 
  • Pro should ensure proper cleaning protocols of all hoppers and tubes.

FH Organized Doubles and Singles Play (Regular weekly sign up through Membersplash and organized by Jon) Beginning May 27th

  • All people signing up to come to doubles and singles play should adhere to tennis recommendations previously provided.
  • Forest Hill will continue to provide one can of balls this year. It is up to the people on the court to decide if they are using one can of the balls or if they each wish to have their own balls.  We ask that players are flexible so that everyone on the court is comfortable with the decision.  
  • Players should meet on the assigned court so that congregating in the tennis hut is avoided.  Jon will list your court assignment in the pairings email.
  • These tennis play days are for members only at this time.

Player Social Distancing Recommendations 

As much as we would like to have you enjoy outdoor tennis, please DON’T come to Forest Hill if you: 

  • Are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, or other symptoms identified by the CDC. 
  • Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. 
  • Are a vulnerable individual. A vulnerable individual is an individual 60 years of age or older, and/or an individual with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma and those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy. 

While at Forest Hill to the extent possible, all patrons must maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person. If maintaining social distancing of six (6) feet between individuals of different households is impracticable, individuals should consider wearing a face covering. 

All junior players under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. 

Preparing to Play 

  • Wash your hands with disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds or longer), or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, before going to the court (bathrooms will remain closed at this time).
  • Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles. Do not share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats and towels. 
  • Bring a full water bottle. Water will not be provided on the courts. 
  • Use new balls and a new grip, if possible.
  • If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve. 
  • Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there.
  • Avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can. 

When Playing 

  • Try to stay at least six feet apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them (such as shaking hands or a high five). 
  • You should consider not playing doubles, which could lead to incidental contact and unwanted proximity. If you do play doubles, avoid all incidental contact.
  • Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth. 
  • Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels. 
  • Use your racquet/foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Only use your hands to pick up your own, marked balls. 
  • Stay on your side of court. Avoid changing ends of the court. 
  • Remain apart from other players when taking a break. 
  • If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.
  • After playing, leave the court as soon as reasonably possible. 
  • Wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court.
  • No extra-curricular or social activity should take place. No congregation after playing. 
  • All players should leave the facility immediately after play. 

Tennis Ball Use 

Although unlikely, it’s possible that a tennis ball can transmit the COVID-19 virus, as virtually any hard surface can transmit the disease. Here is an extra precaution you can take to keep safe when playing tennis: 

  • When playing singles, each player should use their own can of tennis balls and if necessary, label them to differentiate them from their opponent’s. Singles opponents from the same household may use the same can of balls. 
  • When playing doubles, each player should use their own can of tennis balls, and if necessary, label them to differentiate them from the other players’ balls. Same household partners or opponents can share the same can of balls. 
  • When playing, make sure to pick up your own set of balls only. Should another player’s ball wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your racquet head or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court.