The purpose of this initiative to help bring about and develop a state-of-the-art, year-round indoor racquets facility that addresses the growing demand within our expanding community. Initially, the facility is intended to cater to tennis, padel, squash, pickleball and badminton enthusiasts of all ages, providing high-quality courts and amenities. Beyond offering a premier sports environment, we aim to create a vibrant social hub that fosters connection and engagement within Georgian Bay.

At present, we are focusing on serving all racquet sports enthusiasts (adults and children) —whether you're passionate about tennis, squash, pickleball, padel or badminton. However, please be aware that the specific sports we eventually include may be adjusted based on community interest and practical considerations. Our goal is to unite the community and create an exceptional space for everyone to enjoy.

How can you get involved and show your interest? We invite you to fill out our survey and share it with others in the community. By participating, you are expressing your interest in a future facility with no obligation. The more responses we receive, the better we can demonstrate the demand for this project and advocate effectively for its development.

The final location is yet to be determined, but it is envisaged it will be based within the South Georgian Bay area, with the potential location being one of the communities of Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford, Stayner, Wasaga Beach or Owen Sound. The exact location will depend on several factors, including feedback from survey respondents, population density, engagement from local towns, and investment opportunities. The overarching aim is to position the facility where it can best serve the needs of the growing community.

Before any new facility can be built, it's essential to first gauge the level of demand within the community. While we believe there's strong interest, we need solid data to support this. By participating in our survey, you'll help us transform fragmented interest into a unified, cohesive movement. This centralisation will allow us to present a unified front to key stakeholders, including local municipalities, potential investors, and community groups. This collective support will be crucial for building momentum and advancing the project. The timeline for the facility's development will depend on community interest and securing investment, making your participation vital to our success.

After completing the survey, your information will be added to our database as someone interested in a local year-round racquets facility.

Once the survey closes, we'll contact you via email to keep you updated on developments and provide a headline summary of the results. You'll be invited to (a) participate in future group discussions / meetings with other local respondents and (b) join our discussion group on WhatsApp or Facebook.

Additionally, we'll provide regular updates on our website under the 'Timeline' section, so be sure to check here for the latest developments. A committee or board of directors will also likely be established.

Rest assured, your data will remain confidential and will not be shared with any third party unless and until the facility is officially approved (and not without your prior consent).

At this stage, the model of the facility is still to be determined and will largely depend on the involvement of investors, funding models, and demographic factors. Our preference is to develop a community-oriented club that is accessible to everyone. However, achieving this will require support from local municipalities, such as providing land or waiving development charges.

If we do not receive adequate support from the Towns and must acquire land privately, it could lead to higher membership costs to cover the additional expenses. Our goal is to create a facility that serves the community effectively, and we will work hard to ensure it remains accessible to as many people as possible. Community engagement and involvement will be crucial in determining the final model.

Playing racquet sports offers numerous health benefits, making them some of the healthiest sports in the world. According to a study by the Health and Fitness Association, playing racquet sports can improve cardiovascular fitness, increase flexibility, enhance coordination, and boost mental health. In fact, the World Health Organization recognises tennis and similar racquet sports as key activities that contribute to overall health and well-being.

Some noteworthy statistics include:
- Players of racquet sports, such as tennis, experience a 47% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to non-players.
- A survey conducted by Sports England found that racquet sports players have a 43% higher level of fitness compared to participants of other recreational activities.
- Regular participation in racquet sports can also improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia by 20%.

Ultimately, by promoting an indoor racquets facility, we aim to encourage more people in our community to enjoy these health benefits while engaging in a fun and social environment.