by Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, photos by Jim Peterson
If you play tennis or aspire to, you’ll have reason to celebrate the opening of the Eagle Tennis Club. This 90,000 square foot, state of the art, upscale tennis facility is located at the Southeast corner of State St (Hwy 44) and Edgewood Lane.
Avid tennis player and Eagle resident Kara Hoge recruited local business man, community developer and athlete, Caleb Roope, and Mountain America Credit Union, to help develop her dream and to provide a valuable asset to the Treasure Valley and City of Eagle residents. Funding for her vision was not easy to obtain so she scaled back the project to be completed in phases.
The first phase includes 12 indoor state-of-the-art climate controlled tennis courts; a 325 foot long floating mezzanine for optimal viewing of all courts and socializing; fitness classes and workout gym; a certified personal trainer; online system for tennis court reservation and tennis and fitness class sign up; a restaurant; a clubhouse and locker rooms; tennis lessons, clinics and programs led by certified tennis professionals; summer junior tennis camps for ages 4-18 and all skill levels (filling up fast, taking reservations now); and sand volleyball courts.
“Phase II of ETC will bring many amenities including swimming pools, day spa, anti-aging and wellness doctor, physical therapist, hair and nail salon, boutique, large workout area, outdoor tennis courts, daycare, basketball, and more,” says Hoge.
“I chose the ETC location to make it easier for people to walk and ride their bikes to our club,” states Hoge. “The greenbelt is located directly behind our facility. It is also very easy access with the stoplight on State and Edgewood.”
“The facility and its amenities will be a great place for the community and to grow the game,” owner/manager Hoge comments. She wants it to be a place where everyone can come and feel welcome.
Hoge plans to have lots of youth tennis programs as well as other activities. She wants to keep young players active, involved, and having fun so she plans to have numerous junior tournaments and a traveling team. “Tennis is a fun, challenging sport. You can play and stay fit while having a great time. I really enjoy the social part of it too; it is a lifetime sport where you make lifetime friends,” asserts Hoge.
Hoge started playing tennis seven years ago after beating breast cancer. “I had always wanted to try it,” reflects Hoge, “but I played volleyball and softball when I was in school and tennis conflicted with the schedules. I fell in love with it and saw the need for a tennis club with amenities that support wellness, core, family, and community!”
A luxury atmosphere and extravagant amenities at the facility will allow members to indulge in massages and manicures, as well as the professional services of an on staff chiropractor and physical therapist, and tennis directors. Hoge’s goal is to bring tennis players, non-tennis players, and families together to a place where they can stay and play all day. “I want people to come and feel like they just walked into a resort and they’re going to be treated like a queen or king,” stated Hoge.
When asked what she likes most about Eagle, Hoge responded, “The people! We have lived here for 23 years and raised our family in this wonderful community.” Her family attends many of the community events. “I especially love all the beautiful places you can walk to without having to drive into town.”
The greater Boise area has one of the highest per-capita rates of tennis participation in adult tournaments and leagues according to the United States Tennis Association (USTA). There are 4,500 USTA members in the Treasure Valley. The Treasure Valley is in the top 10 per capita of the USTA memberships. With Hoge’s help there will be a lot more.
Eagle Tennis Club membership prices vary depending on if it is a tennis single, couple, or family. There is the choice of paying monthly or annually too. Fitness memberships are also available. Guest fees vary depending on desired activities. The clubhouse, tennis viewing, restaurant and other amenities are open to the public. Residents in the Treasure Valley will be able to play tennis year round.
“The club is designed to bring people to a great place and have them feel good about themselves, and just have fun,” states Hoge.
To learn more about Eagle Tennis Club and pre-membership options, visit www.EagleTennisClub.com for more information.
