Thank you to Everyone who completed the 2024 Member Survey!!!
The Ottawa Tennis Club surveys its membership on a Annual basis. This survey is usd to:
- Measure Member Engagement and Satisfaction
- Prioritize certain Captial Expenditures
- Inform/Influence the Clubs Strategic Direction
- Help Inform on Future Programs and Service Decisions
In 2024, we conducted a full member survey and recieved 375 responses! Here are some key takeaways:
- Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents (87,7%) are "Very Satisfied/Satisfied" with the club, which is the HIGHEST score we have received since starting the member survey in 2016.
- Over 90% of our members intend to be back for the 2025 season
- Majority of members were satisfied with the programming, however there are always ways for us to improve
- In reference to the Stragetic Direction:
- Over 75% of survey responders want the Club to investifate indoor tennis
- 69% agree that Second Floor Renovations should continue
Although the survey was very positive, our main challenge in the years ahead will be to attrac and retain younger members, given that a majority of our members are over 60. We also received a number of comments and suggestions for improvements:
Comment: Importance of our Club booking policy, especially ensuring members "show up" for their bookings. No shows were deemed to be unfair to the membership who then cannot participate
Action: The Club has added a NEW scanning station to the Front Desk. ALL Members, especially those who are playing tennis and/or have a tennis court booking, must scan their fob. Members who do not scan in, will be marked as a "No Show" and contacted for a reason. Repeat offenders will be placed in the Penalty box, where they will not be allowed to access online bookings in one week increments, decided by the Executive Director.
Comment: Practice wall is in poor condition.
Action: The Club has replaced the old practice wall, with a brand NEW one, including NEW fencing and paving. The practice wall is also occumpanied by a new multi-use playing area.
Comment: Tennis Court Conditions: Generally very positive but still improvements required.
Action: The club has purchased new court brooms, which are placed around the courts for members and staff to use between bookings. Auto irrigation has been installed on Courts 1 to 4, to increase the overall condition of these courts. We will invest more in leveling the courts this spring and at least once throughout this season, baseline levelling will take place. This will mean that in blocks of four courts, the baseline lines will be lifted, new clay will be added and rollered before nailing the lines back down.
Comment: More Fun/Social Events wanted at the Club.
Action: Sunday nights will remain devoted to music, but is now called "Summer Music Series". On select Saturday Nights when there are no other events (such as weddings), Join us for our NEW Wine Dine & Play event! Throughout the week, there will be member-focused activities to engage members!
Comment: Courtside Cafe was a welcomed improvement, but more services are wanted
Action: The Courtside cafe will now have longer hours (9AM to 2PM, food and drinks, 2PM to 9PM, drinks), an expanded menu to include breakfast style sandwhiches, and Additional bistro style tables and chairs will be added.
Comment: Strategic Direction of the Club (i.e. indoor tennis, winterizing second floor)
Action: The club will show financial prudence and carry out appropriate due diligence before taking any actions. This past winter, and continuing into the Spring/Summer, experts are engaged to create estimates for the cost (and opportunities) or both options. The upper floor winterization will also include costing for an elevation and an accesible washrom on the second floor.
Comment: Ageing Club Membership
Action: The club has increased its Junior programming to support the next generation of tennis. This includes: Junior Clinics, Ladders, Lessons, Junior Tournament, Monthly planned Junior Nights and more!
Comment: The Cameron, well received but questions about consistency, reservations and operating hours.
Action: The Cameron will be open from May 12 to End of September (reduced hours after August 31). It will also remain open on select saturday nights when our Wine Dine & Play event takes place. Standing Room/High tables are created, with at least one on the balcony to allow customers to watch Tennis games, and one within the Mess Hall to encourage walk-ins. To accomadate a larger degree of walk-ins, not all tables will be reservable. The Games Room (Movie Night room) also has air conditioning, and will be set up for games and other Member-Related activites when not in use for other events.
Comment: Pool programming and Temperatures
Action: Additional Lane Ropes have been installed to allow for a greater degree of programming and flexability. The club has also invested in a Natural Liquid Solar Blanket by Coverfree, which reduces water evaporation and heat lost.
Full Summary of 2024 Survey Results (PDF)