garneau's court replacement project is moving forward - help close the funding gap.
We've raised $800,000 of the $1,000,000 needed.
The last $200,000 is up to the community.
NOW
new
project timeline
From now to the new season
Key Details
What's Actually Wrong
The Nova Pro clay system was installed in 2008. Today:
- Tree roots have pushed up under the surface, creating tripping hazards and inconsistent play.
- Drainage has failed. Air pockets and pooling slow the courts after every rain.
- The underlay carpet can no longer hold the nails that secure the court lines.
- Irrigation and fencing have both reached the end of their service life.These are not problems we can patch. They require a full replacement of the surface, base, irrigation, and fencing. And we'll add accessible entrances, new posts, and new nets at the same time.
- The new surface will be Har-Tru green clay. Recommended by our vendor for our climate, it dries faster (more playing days each summer), is gentler on joints (extending players' careers and reducing injury), and is the surface 8 in 10 championship players grow up on, according to Tennis Canada.
With proper care, Har-Tru courts last 30 to 50 years. This is a once-in-a-generation investment.
Why This Matters
The Garneau Tennis and Beach Volleyball Club has been part of Edmonton for nearly a century. We are, today:
- The only public clay tennis club in Edmonton
- The oldest continuously operating clay court club in Alberta
- The northernmost outdoor clay club in North America
Outdoor tennis in Edmonton is shrinking. Coronation Park's courts have been replaced or removed. The Saville Centre's outdoor courts are covered for the summer. The Derrick and IQ Tennis Club are indoor-only. The University of Alberta's planned clay courts won't be built. Without Garneau, there is nowhere else in this city to play outdoor clay!
That's not just a tennis problem. It's a community problem. More than 300 members played here in 2025. Over 140 children went through our junior programs. We host Pride volleyball nights with Team Edmonton, Girls in Sport days, summer camps with the Edmonton Junior Tennis Society, and free guest weeks open to anyone in the city.
The courts that hold all of that up are at the end of their lifespan.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
Your donation goes directly toward:
Seven new Har-Tru green clay courts with a rebuilt rock-and-clay base for proper drainage
New irrigation designed for Edmonton's climate
New perimeter fencing, including widened gates for wheelchair accessibility
New posts and nets on every court
Tree-root mitigation, in partnership with the City of Edmonton's Forestry Department
A contingency reserve so the project doesn't stall on a surpriseIf we exceed the goal, additional funds rebuild the club's reserves (depleted by this project) and fund equipment upgrades that benefit every member.
Recognition
Donors will be recognized in ways that connect them to the courts long after construction ends:
Permanent donor recognition at the club (recognition wall and plaque)
First play on the new courts in spring 2027 — donor-only preview event before public opening
Invitations to annual club events, including Centennial events leading up to 2029
Custom recognition for leadership-level gifts is available — please reach out!
Ways To Give
1. Donate now (one-time or monthly) Make a tax-receipted gift in any amount. Spread your contribution across 12 months if that fits your finances better. [Donate now] → [DONATE LINK]
2. Give securities (stocks) Gifts of appreciated securities are often the most tax-advantageous way to give. We'll connect you with our partner at the Garneau Community League to process the transfer. Email Alex Abboud → vptennis@garneau-tennis.com
3. Give by cheque Prefer to write a cheque? We'll handle the rest, including your tax receipt. Email the office → officemanager@garneau-tennis.com
All donations are tax-receipted. The Garneau Community League is serving as our fiscal agent — they hold charitable status and will issue your official tax receipt directly.
frequently asked questions
How much does Garneau need to raise from the community?
- $200,000 in donations to ensure sufficient funds for construction and a contingency reserve.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Garneau Community League is our fiscal agent and will issue your official tax receipt.
Can I spread my donation across multiple payments or years?
Yes — one-time gifts, monthly gifts, and gifts of securities (stocks) are all welcome.
What happens if you raise more than the goal?
Excess funds will rebuild the club's reserves (depleted by this project) and fund additional equipment upgrades that benefit all members.
What if the City of Edmonton grant comes through in June?
The community fundraising target stands. Grant funds reduce the draw on club savings and free up resources for programming and maintenance.
Who is doing the construction?
PC Court, a Quebec-based firm specializing in clay court construction. They have been our clay supplier for several years.
How long will the new courts last? 30 to 50+ years with proper maintenance.
Will the volleyball courts be affected? Volleyball operations will continue. Construction may occasionally affect site access; we'll communicate any closures in advance.
MORE HERE (Google Docs)