The Racquet Club has seen more than its share of fundamental changes since it reopened on April 15.
The historic building, which crews had to lift off of its foundation for essential repairs, has been rejuvenated and turned into a versatile space catering to amenity members and non-members alike.
Consistent with the theme of Renew Big Canoe, a similarly fundamental change is taking place with the Racquet Club team and the return of Linda Powell, who was named the interim Racquet Club manager.
While Linda’s familiar face was long associated with pickleball and tennis in this upgraded facility, she’s quick to highlight how her staff is poised to help Racquet Club tap its incredible, even broader potential.
“To all those people, members or otherwise, who have been sitting on the fence to see what we were going to do,” Linda says, “we want to encourage you to just come for a visit. You don’t even have to play tennis or pickleball or bocce. Just come and check out the shop.”
The Racquet Club is at once a historic structure and a modern facility, with changes afoot everywhere – from instructor John Murphy’s recent certification as a pickleball coach, which enables him to teach all levels of play, to critical work on clay courts in need of maintenance and improved irrigation and hydration.
Linda added that anyone looking to try their hands at pickleball or tennis, regardless of whether they have the gear, can get the equipment and coaching
The new Racquet Club now features a much broader range of Big Canoe-branded items, including hiking gear, pet supplies and athleisure wear.
they need by signing up for a beginner’s clinic.
As she addresses the needs one would expect from the Racquet Club – they can string your racquet in two to three days – the building’s retail offerings have exploded. Now, visitors can purchase Big Canoe-branded athleisure wear, hiking gear and pet provisions to go with tennis, bocce and pickleball supplies. Pro tip: The Pro Shop has its own selection of varied merchandise unavailable at other amenities.
Then there is the patio, which is now an inviting gathering place where both visitors and members can enjoy a beverage.
“Yes, we have coffee and beer,” she says. Along with coffee, Michelob Ultra and Sweet Water 420 are for sale at the Pro Shop.
It’s not a coincidence that the Racquet Club has a more tangible, can-do vibe. The proactive team in place has already:
Reopened the Junior Tennis Camps to new signees, ages 8-14. Camps are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 26-30, July 10-14, July 17-21 and July 24-24. Cost: $300.
Jumpstarted the official Racquet Club Advisory Committee and is working to form a new team, which will proactively address the needs of tennis, bocce and pickleball players.
Encouraged visitors to enjoy the re-opened indoor tennis viewing area in the Wellness Center.
Met with some of the most active bocce players to map out a season and identify any areas that need to be addressed.
Established a new open pickleball playtime for those who work from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays starting on June 27. Cost: free to amenity members; $15 for Property Owners; $20 for visitors.
“I consider it truly an honor to be here, even if it is only on an interim basis,” Linda explains. “As we work to make the reimagined Racquet Club the best that it can be, we know with a little patience we can get this place back into the swing of things.”
For questions about pickleball, bocce, tennis or the Pro Shop merchandise, contact Linda at lpowell@bigcanoe@poa.org or 706-268-3367.
The post Linda Powell Returns to Help Reinvigorate the Rejuvenated Racquet Club appeared first on Inside the Gates.