Sign Restoration Project Preserves History and Legacy of Cranford Clay Courts Club

In 2014, the Springfield Avenue sign that had welcomed Members and Guests to the Cranford Clay Courts Club for the past 22 years was in danger of being discarded and replaced due to the significant damage it suffered from being exposed to the elements for 22 years. The sign held special significance to the Club, as its original 1992 installation marked the continued survival and existence of the historic Clay Courts. In that year, local tennis enthusiasts made a successful agreement with the Township of Cranford to assume management of the courts after municipal budgetary issues threatened the closure of the courts. The tennis facility has been a continuous part of the Cranford community since they were first constructed as red clay courts in the 1920’s.

Mary Goodfellow, President of the Cranford Clay Courts Club, along with other Club members,hoped to preserve the sign and sought the restoration services of Stephanie Lalor, owner of The Artist Framer Shop in Cranford. Ms. Lalor was successful in saving and restoring the sign, and when the Club opens its gates for the 23rd season, the sign will be in place once again to welcome Members and Guests.

The Cranford Clay Courts Club is a tennis club open to all area residents, whose members pay annual dues which fully support the operations of the Club. The Club proudly claims to be the only outdoor soft court Tennis Club with night lights in Union County. Membership is open to all who wish to join and enjoy, or learn, the lifetime sport of tennis. The Club, run by volunteer Member Trustees, features an Ambassador Program which partners new Members with existing Members, who facilitate the transition into the Club by sharing information, making introductions to other players, and scheduling matches.

The Club offers members several social, instruction and competitive events throughout the year, including a season-opening Open House Patio Party on May 17, starting at 11:00AM, which is open to the public, an annual Member-Guest Tournament in June, free Tennis Clinics in May and June, a Tennis Academy which offers both Children and Adult classes, a Team Tennis entry in spring and summer Adult Leagues, as well as a free Membership program for members of the Cranford High School Girls and Boys Tennis Teams.

The Club’s historic courts were first lighted for night play in the late 1960’s, and were converted from red clay to to green Har-Tru courts in the 1970’s, The Club has a recently installed Patio area, as well as modernized lighting and water sprinkler systems, all installed within the past five seasons. The Club is often the last facility in the area to close at the end of the outdoor tennis season, which usually stretches into December, weather permitting. New Members are always welcome to join.

For more information, visit the Club’s website at www.CranfordTennis.com, or send an email to “Cranfordtennis@yahoo.com, or call 201-394-2870.

Photo caption: Mary Goodfellow, President of the Cranford Clay Courts Club and Stephanie Lalor, owner of the Artist Framer in Cranford, with the newly restored sign