Tennis Center of Camden to Reopen on Monday May 18th

Tennis Center of Camden (TCC) Director Paola Maoli has announced that the Tennis Center and Pickleball Plaza will officially reopen to the public on Monday, May 18th. New measures will be put in place in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while allowing residents access to the public courts.

“We understand that exercise has been a big part of many people’s routines during the state of emergency and COVID-19 response in our community,” said Maoli. “But we also want to keep everyone as safe as possible when using the TCC courts and facilities and they must follow these new procedures.”

Maoli said only one customer will be allowed in the TCC office at a time during the new operating hours Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm and again from 1 – 6 pm. On Wednesdays, the TCC office will be open from 12 – 9 pm. Fridays and Saturdays, operating hours will be 9 am – 4pm and on Sundays 1 - 6 pm. TCC employees will wear masks and gloves and will handle transactions by opening the porch window.

Maoli asked that players to refrain from hanging out or coming to the courts too early than the time assigned. Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes will be provided on the courts. She asked that players to be responsible and help staff maintain the hygiene at the TCC by cleaning any surface they come in contact with once they finish play.

Following USTA and USAPA current rules, play will be restricted to 2 people on any court until further notice, in order to adhere to six feet social distancing measures. Maoli stressed this is especially important on the pickleball courts, due to court size. Avoid changing ends of the court, and remain apart from other players when taking a break. 

Players are also encouraged to avoid sharing food, drinks or towels, and to avoid touching their face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment. Use racquets, paddles or feet to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using hands to pick up the balls. If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet/paddle.

Maoli also made recommendations to players after they’ve finished play, such as washing hands at the end of the play and immediately washing clothes and disinfecting racquets, paddles and balls when arriving home, leaving equipment outside if possible.

Under Governor Henry McMaster’s remaining restrictions regarding nonessential businesses and activities, the tennis courts and playground equipment within the City’s unsupervised parks will remain closed, including Scott Park and Rectory Square until further notice. Parks and greenspaces are still available for individual use. The City of Camden will reassess conditions and follow the guidelines as they are provided by the governor’s office.