Sports
Murrieta Tennis Club Shines With New Owners, New Courts
When Mitch and Carolyn Mitchell took over, they knew the facility's nine courts were in serious need of repair. They stepped up.
MURRIETA, CA — As the main draw of the Wimbledon Championships kicked off Monday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, a refurbished Murrieta Tennis Club was readying for celebrations.
On Wednesday, the private club at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Road is hosting a Wimbledon Ladies Luncheon. Local participants will don their best all-white on-court outfits, pair up for some doubles action, then partake in a potluck social in a nod to the international tennis competition happening across the pond.
The Wimbledon luncheon is an annual tradition at Murrieta Tennis Club, but this year is a little different — in a good way.
Carolyn and Kent "Mitch" Mitchell recently purchased the club, and they are actively involved in daily operations of the facility that sits on the historic Murrieta Hot Springs Resort property. The retirees are local residents who've lived in the Valley for decades, and Carolyn has played at the club for about as long (the facility's been around since 1997).
When the Mitchells took over, they were well aware that the facility's nine courts were in serious need of repair. So the couple stepped up with a personal investment that was boosted by grant money provided via the U.S. Tennis Association's Tennis Venue Services program.
The Mitchells used the funding to resurface all of the Murrieta Tennis Club courts. The pricey rehab took several weeks and was completed in May. In return for the financial help, the club is eyed as a host site for additional U.S. Tennis Association youth and adult tournaments.
I visited the club on June 13. The Mitchells were hosting a Member Appreciation Day. Despite temperatures hovering over 90 degrees, about 60 people of all ages showed up for the event. Kids, parents, grandparents, friends. Some of the club's professional instructors were on hand for live ball. It was a day of fun for tennis lovers.
In between her hellos and hugs with members, Carolyn reiterated to me the club's mission. "Our goal is simple: Provide our members with a fun and relaxed environment where they can hone their skills, get involved, and have access to quality instruction. Our programs are perfect for players of all levels and all ages."
"It's like family here," she explained.
In addition to private tennis lessons, the Murrieta Tennis Club offers organized match play on its nine lighted courts; USTA league teams; tournaments, including juniors; youth camps; help with equipment; court reservations; and, of course, socials.
As of June, monthly membership fees at Murrieta Tennis Club ranged from $40 for a junior, $79 for one adult, or $119 for a family.
Tennis has a way of forging lasting friendships both on and off the court, and in that regard Murrieta Tennis Club is an institution in Southwest Riverside County.
