Community assistance needed to complete new Hermanus sports club
The Hermanus Squash and Tennis Club had a ‘last count-down party’ on Friday, 3 May to officially announce the closure of the old facility situated next to the municipal offices.
On the same occasion, the club, which previously existed as one entity incorporating both squash and tennis, was formerly divided into two separate clubs, namely the Hermanus Tennis Club and Hermanus Squash Club.
“Both of these are now incorporated into the Hermanus Sports Club (HSC). This new sports precinct has six tennis courts (four floodlit) and four squash courts. There are also two newly-erected netball courts and the floodlighting from the old tennis club will be utilised to complete this part of the project,” says Tony O’Hagan, chair of the HSC. He adds that these netball facilities are already being used by schools and clubs.
Tennis, squash and netball are new sporting disciplines that have now been added to hockey, played on the Hermanus High School Astroturf, cricket, as it exists at present and Whalers Athletics Club, catering for our running community. Other sporting activities provided for at the HSC are the BMX track and Dance School.
Construction of the new gymnasium is imminent and will be erected in the vicinity of the Hermanus Primary sports fields and the Old Boys Club. “Mathew Browne and his Proactive Fitness members will be a great asset to the HSC,” says Tony.
“The HSC is most grateful to the Municipality for the generous grant that enabled all the existing construction to be undertaken. Donations have also been received from members of the HSC and the community and these have made it possible for us to move forward on specific projects.”
According to Tony, there are still a number of projects that require urgent funding for completion. “The HSC is seeking assistance in the form of donations to reach our aim of building a sporting Mecca for the Overberg community.”
Immediate funding is required for the following projects to be completed:
- Food Court – Flooring, kitchen counter and bar counter. Peter Kunz has been appointed as the approved restauranteur for this restaurant/bar facility. The outside deck area also needs to be screened.
- Change Rooms – Completion of the Men’s and Ladies change rooms and showers.
- Paving – For parts of the outside area.
- Plants and Greenery – Required for the surrounds of the Clubhouse.
The above are urgent necessities but Tony says their future wish list includes the construction of an aquatic centre, the incorporation and construction of a cricket pavilion and a sports science facility. “Let’s make this the Sports Mecca of the Overberg where both national and international sporting visitors can be hosted,” he says.
Anyone who would like to participate, share ideas and advice, or offer assistance, should contact any of the following individuals:
Tony O’Hagan – 083 266 0139;
Pieter de Jager – 083 737 5412;
John Cowan – 073 054 2598;
Andre van der Merwe – 083 650 8103;
Anton du Plessis – 082 459 5505; or
Peter Kunz – 082 782 7046.