Day 3: Sunny Skies and ITF Players' Banquet

Day 3 saw sunny skies and perfect temperatures on the court and off. Light breezes kept spectators and players a little cooler for most of the day and the beer garden was buzzing. ITF players took to the courts to practice early in the day before their matches started on courts 1-6, while NTRP players also got through a ton of matches, keeping the courts hopping, with the day wrapping up close to 9:00 pm.

The only hitch in the action today was the closure of court 14 due to the unfortunate demise of a heron fledgling. The herons are a unique part of the atmosphere at the Park and the efforts of the Park Board to support the natural environment as much as possible seem to be paying off! The herons are thriving!

The day’s main event took place in the early evening as the ITF players were treated to an al fresco players’ banquet. We would be lost without our volunteers, but one went above and beyond to make sure the banquet was a success in every way. Julie Reynolds took on the organizing and the cooking, providing a variety of lasagnas, salads, drinks, and desserts. The players took the opportunity to socialize and share a meal on the park lawns overlooking English Bay. Tennis BC staff also got to share a little bit of down time with a staff social and a little bit of Spike Ball!