Landscape Refresh Proposal

Tennis season is now in full swing and we could not be more excited to see the courts filling up with life again. Thank you to every member who makes this club what it is — your energy on and off the court is what drives everything we do. It's with that spirit in mind that the Committee is proud to share this vision for the grounds we all call home.

Overview

Executive Summary

The Rothesay Tennis Club has served as a cornerstone of athletic and social life in the Kennebecasis Valley for over a century. As the facility enters its next chapter, the grounds require a comprehensive landscape refresh to match the quality of the Club's courts, programming, and membership experience.

This proposal outlines a landscape renewal plan organized into three priority tiers — Must Have, Should Have, and Nice to Have — covering pathways, lighting, spectator amenities, social gathering spaces, garden areas, and parking improvements. The membership will have the opportunity to vote on which elements to include, and the final scope will be shaped by that input.

Depending on the Club's appetite to invest in infrastructure, the additional cost to each membership ranges from approximately $62 per year for the Must Have scope to $299 per year if all three tiers are included — that's roughly one to five coffees a month under the proposed financing model.

The project is designed for execution beginning Summer 2026, with hardscaping completed in the fall and planting and softscaping finishing by May 2027.

Section 2

Project Vision

The landscape refresh is guided by three core principles:

Preserve character. Retain the mature trees, heritage charm, and welcoming atmosphere that define the Club. Support competitive play. Improve spectator seating, lighting, and amenities so the Club is better equipped to host tournaments and inter-club events. Build for longevity. Use durable, low-maintenance materials and plantings that reduce long-term operating costs and age gracefully.

Conceptual vision of the refreshed grounds at sunset — fire pit, hedgerow, pathway lighting, and spectator areas.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

Section 3

Current Conditions

The Committee has conducted a detailed walk-through assessment of the property, documenting areas where infrastructure is aging, underperforming, or misaligned with the Club's long-term vision.

Key concerns include cracked and uneven pathways, inadequate lighting along spectator corridors, limited social gathering space, and a rear garden that has become overgrown and underutilized. The existing driveway configuration presents a safety concern, with vehicle traffic passing in close proximity to areas where children and members congregate on foot. The current parking arrangement also creates headlight intrusion on the courts during evening play.

Section 4

Scope of Work

Scope items have been organized into three priority tiers to guide phasing and investment decisions.

A.1

Astroturf — Warm-Up / Play Area

A new synthetic turf surface (1,522 sf) will be installed in the upper grounds area, providing a durable, all-weather warm-up and play space for members. The turf area replaces the existing upper parking lot, eliminating headlight intrusion onto the courts during evening play.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

A.2

Site Work, Excavation & Prep

Comprehensive site preparation across pathway and turf areas (3,325 sf), including excavation, grading, subbase installation, and drainage improvements to ensure a stable foundation for all new surfaces.

A.3

Pathway Lighting

A comprehensive low-voltage LED landscape lighting system will be installed along all primary pathways, the spectator corridor, and key gathering areas. Fixtures will include bollard-style path lights, recessed step lights at grade changes, and accent uplighting on feature plantings and trees. The system will operate on automatic timers with seasonal adjustment.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

A.4

Gravel Pathways

All primary and secondary pathways (1,803 sf) throughout the grounds will be replaced with new gravel surfaces. The pathway system will provide accessible, well-graded connections between the parking area, clubhouse entrance, spectator areas, and rear garden.

A.5

Irrigation — Turf Area

An irrigation system will be installed to serve the new turf area (1,522 sf), ensuring healthy establishment and long-term maintenance of the synthetic playing surface.

B.1

Site Work — Hardscape and Lawn Areas

Site preparation, excavation, and grading across all hardscaping and lawn areas (9,054 sf), including subbase work for stone surfaces, deck foundations, and lawn bed preparation.

B.2

Irrigation — Lawn / Sod Areas

An irrigation system serving all lawn and sod areas (7,592 sf) to support healthy turf establishment and reduce long-term maintenance burden.

B.3

Stone Steps & Handrail

New stone steps with integrated handrails will be installed at key grade changes around the clubhouse and spectator areas, improving safety and accessibility across the grounds.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

B.4

Hardscaping

New hardscaped surfaces (1,462 sf) around the clubhouse surrounds, including patios, terraces, and gathering areas. Materials will be selected for durability and to complement the existing clubhouse architecture.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

B.5

Grass / Sod — Lawn Areas

All lawn areas (7,592 sf) will be re-sodded with a robust turf product, including the area currently occupied by the upper driveway which will be converted to green space.

B.6

Bleachers × 3 Locations

New bleacher seating will be installed at three locations along the courts, providing additional spectator capacity. Access to the proposed new bleacher areas will be evaluated during detailed design.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

B.7

Planting — Rear Garden Beds

The existing rear garden will be fully removed and replaced with new perennial beds, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs (480 sf) selected for four-season interest and low maintenance.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

C.1

Warm-Up Area

A dedicated warm-up and stretching area adjacent to the courts, designed for pre-match preparation and casual use.

C.2

Hedge / Fence — East Property Line

A 70 linear foot hedge or fence along the East property line adjacent to the turf area, providing privacy screening and a defined boundary.

C.3

Fire Pit

A built fire pit with a natural stone or brick surround will be installed on the lower lawn area, creating a central gathering point for post-match socializing and club events.

Preliminary rendering for illustrative purposes only — not a final drawing or plan. Further design refinement to be completed after the broader initiative is voted on and approved.

C.4

Storage Shed

A new dedicated storage facility will be constructed to house court maintenance equipment, event supplies, and seasonal items.

C.5

Outdoor Furniture

New outdoor furniture and furnishings for spectator areas, the rear terrace, and social gathering spaces.

Section 5

Project Schedule

Board approval and financing will be completed by June 15. Detailed design and town coordination begin immediately after, running six weeks through August. Tendering, approvals, and procurement follow in September. Site work and hardscaping begin in October and continue through the end of the year. Planting, softscaping, and commissioning follow in Spring 2027, with full completion targeted for May 2027.

Section 6

Budget Summary

Cost estimates are derived from a proportional area takeoff using a blended rate of $26 per square foot, organized by priority tier.

Section 7.1

Memorial and Dedication Program

The Committee recommends establishing a Memorial and Dedication Program that allows members and families to honour loved ones through named elements within the landscape. Contributions offset project costs while creating lasting, personal connections to the Club grounds.

As an illustration, 30 pathway stones, 20 garden plaques, 10 bench dedications, and 4 fire pit or hedge dedications would raise approximately $37,500. A single pavilion naming gift could bring the total to $50,000–$60,000 or more. If contributions exceed the base scope, surplus funds would be directed toward a future addition: a bubbling water feature with names inscribed on natural stone, creating a centrepiece for quiet reflection within the rear garden.

Section 7.2

Design & Validation Partners

The Committee has requested design proposals from established landscape architecture firms with deep roots in New Brunswick, and project costs have been independently validated by a local pre-construction specialist. After reviewing submissions, the Committee is recommending Brackish Design Studio based on their close proximity to the Club, their expressed interest in becoming Club members, and the strength of their experience, credentials, and body of work across Atlantic Canada.

Section 8

Next Steps

The Board respectfully requests that the membership review this proposal and provide direction at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The following resolution will be presented for a vote:

If approved, the Board will immediately proceed with:

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