The Sweet Spot for Tennis

The could easily be missed in this obscure section of town. But, being tucked away in the back of an industrial center off  North Church Road  hasn’t stopped this top-notch facility from drawing dedicated members.

Indoor tennis facilities are scarce in Burlington County, and the Voorhees' investor who capitalized on the steel-framed building foresaw an advantageous business opportunity and, no doubt, an ambitious project given the economy.

"We saw a need for indoor courts in this area," says Hee Kim, owner of the club, which opened last year. "And, both of my kids play a lot of tennis."

Moorestown and the surrounding towns have a lot of tennis players, says Pat Edelscheian, manager of the club.

"There are some public facilities, but nothing nearby like what we have here.  We’ve been rather busy since opening.” Edelscheian isn’t sure of the exact membership numbers, but says it’s in the “hundreds and still growing.”

Spread over nine acres, Moorestown Tennis Club offers straightforward tennis, with five indoor DecoTurf courts, which is a favorite among tennis aficionados.

“The fully cushioned courts are softer on your knees,” says Edelscheian.

The 40,000-square-foot structure took 18 months to build from the ground up and opened in November 2009.  Almost from the beginning, members signed up, and last summer’s blistering heat scored big for the courts.

A second-floor viewing area with modern tables and chairs overlooks the courts. Roomy tiled men's and women's locker rooms are equipped with showers.

“Air-conditioned courts are a must when the summer gets hot,” says Edelscheian. “It is too hard to play outside during our summers around here.”

Last week, members of the Moorestown Friends School tennis team  were volleying on the courts, having been rained out another day from their own outside courts. Others were standing nearby with rackets and hollow rubber balls in hand waiting to get on.

“The team from Moorestown High School will also use the facility during bad weather,” says Edelscheian. “A lot of the kids are already playing here year-round. And, the schools’ coaches like having us here.”

The club is a private organization with yearly membership fees starting at $100 for junior members and single adults at $140. Family memberships are $300. Court rates start at $45 for an hour.

“Non-members are welcome,” says Edelscheian, “but members have first priority over court time.”

Lessons with one of their four full-time instructors start at $45 for a half-hour for all age and skill levels, and group clinics are held throughout the year.

With summer almost here, Edelscheian says camps will be held beginning June 20. This year, the club’s program—priced from $250 for a half-day and $350 for a full day—will offer lunch at an additional charge of $7. Early morning drop off and late afternoon pick up will be available.

“When the kids are here at camp,” Edelscheian adds, “they have full access to the rest of the club, including the outdoor basketball courts, or the pingpong tables.”

This past winter, the club had a women’s league, and the only time babysitting was needed. “But, if we get requests in the future,” Edelscheian says, “we will add the service.”

The club is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.