Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club celebrates four new member-funded courts
Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club (CRAFC) is set to celebrate four new member-funded padel courts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from the city.
The celebration will take place at CRAFC, located at Oaklands Park, on Saturday (November 7). Four brand-new, competition-standard padel courts will be unveiled to the public – which members have already had a sneak preview of.
And for good reason: the development, which cost up to £772,000, has been entirely funded by CRAFC’s members, who contributed through debentures and long-term memberships.
The new courts will provide year-round playing opportunities for everyone from beginners to experienced competitors, with members able to book up to two weeks in advance and non-members able to ‘Pay & Play’ up to one week in advance.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set to be attended by several representatives from Chichester, including MP Jess Brown-Fuller, Mayor Sean McHale and Mayoress Micheala McHale. There will also be Chichester District Council, community organisations, club members, coaches, committee representatives and contractors Trevor May & Fordingbridge present.
Following the inaugural event, CRAFC is set to host a free community open day on November 14, allowing people to experience the new courts alongside the club’s other offerings.
Terri Wheeler, club manager, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally share these fantastic new courts. What makes this moment particularly special is knowing that our members have made it possible. Their support has been extraordinary, and we’re looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new players to enjoy the facilities.
“Whether you’re an experienced player or have never tried padel before, we’d love you to come along, discover the sport and experience the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes CRAFC so special.”