Note: This page will continue to display the most recent updates as they become available. Previous updates are archived below.

UPDATE: June 15th 2020; 6:00 PM PT

WE ARE OPEN STARTING JUNE 22

We’re officially opening our doors, starting with a limited reopening. For more information, please read this new blog post all about this exciting recent update regarding Galbraith Tennis Center.

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Archive: May 29, 2020; 6:30 PM PT

GENERAL FACILITY STATUS UPDATE

As we edge closer to summer, and as local businesses are beginning to reopen their doors, we wanted to give you an update on our plans and strategies on the road to reopening Galbraith Tennis Center to the community we love so much.

After reviewing all CDC and federal guidelines along with the State of Washington and Pierce County recommendations, we are hopeful to open GTC in early July.

As you know, many factors play a role in our reopening with guidance and phases changing almost daily.

Rest assured we are eager to get back to the sport we love. Details on our specific reopening date will be announced in the coming weeks; as soon as we know, you will know.

What we do know is that tennis in a post COVID-19 world will not be the same.

To make sure we’re keeping you and your experience at GTC as close to risk-free as possible once we finally reopen our doors, we will implement a staged approach for reentry of our programs and services:

Step One: We will start the reopening process with:

Online court reservations for singles and doubles play and
Private/semi-private lessons no more than five (5) people per court

Step Two: Once we feel comfortable with the activity of Step One, we will introduce:

Limited adult programming
High School and Academy Summer Camps

Step Three: Once we feel comfortable with the progress of Step Two, we will add the remainder of our youth summer camps programs:

Youth Summer Camp Ages (8-13)

The health and safety of our staff, customers, and community remains our #1 priority.

We are honored to have your trust and we want you to feel assured we are doing everything we can to support the safety and well-being of our entire community.

As we get closer to reopening our doors, you will receive specific guidelines on what we are doing to reduce the risk and what you can do to help. These guidelines will be based on the latest CDC and federal guidelines as well as the State of Washington and local authorities.

Meanwhile, to follow is an outline of the actions and precautionary measures we are taking, including:

Limit group size for common areas and courts in accordance with local guidelines
Requiring staff to wear cloth face coverings
Encouraging hand and respiratory hygiene
Implementing new protocols for intensified disinfection, including hand sanitizing kiosks
Enforcing physical distancing strategies

Here’s what you’ll be expected to bring:

Tennis Balls (for court rentals)
Water Bottle/Water
Cleansing Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Towel

Lastly, take a moment to familiarize with USTA’s Playing Tennis Safely recommendations: providing tipsÂ for the game when we return.

Additionally, as mentioned we will definitely offer summer camps, in steps, and registration will open once we have a better understanding of a confirmed reopening date.

In other news, the USTA PNW created the Community Cares Give Campaign to help support local tennis facilities and clubs in the Pacific Northwest, including GTC. This campaign makes it so anyone to give a tax-deductible donation and help make the mission of every tennis facility possible.

If you’re interested in giving, click this link, complete the donation form, choose GTC from the dropdown menu, and submit. Just like that, you’re all set!

At GTC, we always strive to provide an experience that inspires the love of tennis in a place many of us consider to be our home away from home.Â Thank you for being a part of our community.

We’re incredibly thankful for you and all that you do to support GTC.

We also want to give a friendly reminder that any active GTC members will receive a $25 Welcome Back Credit back into their account. It’s our way of saying thank you and welcome back to our courts. Use it to purchase summer camp for the kids, book a court, or even a private lesson all to yourself.

We can’t wait to welcome you back!

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Archive: April 28, 2020; 7:00 PM PT

GENERAL FACILITY STATUS UPDATE

We’re eager to get back on the court just as much as you and have been doing our best to stay educated and informed on the latest COVID-19 news – all to ensure the safety of our members, guests and staff upon the reopening of Galbraith Tennis Center to the community.

We have initiated a Safety Committee to craft new safety protocols that will utilize all state, local and federal guidelines as well as the recently released USTA guidelines on tennis Player and Facilit y safety to keep players, local programmers, facility staff and their members safe. This safety committee will outline recommendation to ensure your safety, specifically as it relates to tennis activities at Galbraith Tennis Center.

These procedures will be released ahead of our reopening, and it is our hope that after reviewing these guidelines you will have no doubt of your safety and well-being while in our community space. Stay tuned for more to come on this important topic.

Unfortunately, we will not be reopening on May 1st like we had previously hoped. We’re continuing to monitor the guidelines and as soon as Governor Inslee defines a confirmed lift of the Stay-At-Home Order, we will reach out with a new tentative reopening date via email, pnwtenniscenters.com, and on Facebook and Instagram (@vancouver_tc).

Due to COVID-19 and the facility shutdown, all memberships were frozen as of March 16, and will remain so until we re-open. Likewise, all renewals are suspended and renewal dates will be extended by the length of our closure, at a minimum.

Once we do have a confirmed reopening date, we will adjust the renewal date of all memberships to reflect this extension on all accounts.

Because we miss all of you, we will be adding a $25 Welcome Back Membership Credit to all membership accounts, which can be used however you like. This can count towards camp registrations, lessons, membership renewals, etc. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

Hang in there, GTC fam, we will get through this waiting period together.

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Archive: April 3, 2020; 3:00 PM PT

USTA Statement on Safety of Playing Tennis During the Covid-19 Virus Pandemic

The COVID 19 pandemic is creating challenges for everyone across the globe. American tennis players are asking for guidance regarding the safety of playing tennis, especially when social distancing and space sharing issues are now paramount.

Based on the recommendations of the USTA COVID-19 Advisory Group, the USTA believes that it is in the best interest of society to take a collective pause from playing the sport we love.

Although there are no specific studies on tennis and COVID-19, medical advisors believe there is the possibility that the virus responsible for COVID-19 could be transmitted through common sharing and handling of tennis balls, gate handles, benches, net posts, and even court surfaces.

As a result of this, the USTA asks that as tennis players we need to be patient in our return to the courts and consider how our decisions will not only affect ourselves, but how our decisions can impact our broader communities. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay active and healthy with at home exercise and creative “tennis at home” variations. We look forward to our return to tennis in a safe manner and will provide updates as new information becomes available. By practicing all the recommended guidelines presently put forth by our medical experts, that return will happen in the soonest possible timeframe.

USTA PNW Tennis Centers will continue to monitor all sources and provide you with any change to the reopening date of Galbraith Tennis Center.

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Archive: March 24, 2020; 9:00 PM PT

GTC Reopening Update:

As promised, we are reaching out with updates regarding the temporary closure of Galbraith Tennis Center. Based on evolving news and declarations both statewide and local, we are aligning to extend our temporary closure through April 30 and tentatively plan to reopen on Friday, May 1, 2020. This date will continue to fluctuate based on updates to these guidelines.

Galbraith Tennis Center was closed on Sunday, March 15, 2020, and has partnered with a local environmental cleaning and disinfection provider to perform a deep clean of the facility before we reopen to the public. As always, the health and safety of our GTC community remains a priority.

We wish our GTC family continued health and wellness during this time.

As a reminder, please bookmark this page for the most up-to-date information as it relates to the COVID-19 virus and Galbraith Tennis Center

Thank you,

Galbraith Tennis Center

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Archive: March 23, 2020; 2:36 PM PT

USTA Statement on Suspension of Events

Due to the continued situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, and after discussions with the USTA Medical Advisory Committee, effective immediately the USTA will extend the suspension of USTA sanctioned products and events, including Adult and Junior Tournaments, USTA League, Junior Team Tennis, Team Challenge, Team Tournaments, USTA Schools programs, Tennis on Campus and Wheelchair events through May 3. Additionally, recognizing the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after May 3.

All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, all ITF Junior events, and all USTA Pro Circuit and professional events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA, and be suspended through June 7. Both the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., and the USTA National Campus, in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla., will remain closed for play and instructional opportunities through May 3. Any patron who wishes to cancel participation in a scheduled activity should contact the specific location for refund information. These policies will be in effect pending additional guidance or directives from each local governmental agency and the CDC. The USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about all activities at these facilities.

Click here for tips and recommendations for facilities and players, regarding COVID-19 from the USTA.

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Archive: March 15, 2020

In light of the recent developments regarding COVID-19, the Vancouver Tennis Center and the Galbraith Tennis Center will be closing by the end of business today (March 15, 2020) and will stay closed until at least March 31^st. This decision reflects our commitment to the health and safety of our facility staff, players and the broader communities we serve. It is our intention to open the facilities and resume activities on April 1st; however, this is a fluid situation and we will provide you updates via email and this site.

In response to this disruption and in recognition that COVID-19 will have a negative economic impact on many in society, we will be providing full compensation to our certified teaching professionals and part-time staff during this two week period. Additionally, if a facility member or guest has pre-paid for a program or class during this period, a member of our team will be in touch soon regarding crediting your payment to your account.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. We hope to see everyone on the court soon!

Archive: March 13, 2020 5:15PM PT

As we promised last Friday, USTA PNW is continuing to monitor updates related to COVID-19 and how the virus is affecting our communities, as your health and safety are our utmost priority. We will continue to provide updates to you by email and on our facility website (this page).

Earlier today, the USTA released an official statement on the growing developments and concerns of the Coronavirus and have temporarily suspended all USTA-sanctioned events (e.g. tournaments, leagues, competitive products) nationwide through April 20 until further notice. USTA PNW will work with the national office, and the local tennis community, to reschedule events where possible following this suspension period.

We would like to confirm that as of today, Vancouver Tennis Center and Galbraith Tennis Centers will remain open and operating to the general public. All in-house programs, lessons, activities, and court rentals currently remain open as scheduled.

Our tennis centers serve as community hubs to individuals and families and while it remains safe to do so as directed by local health authorities, we aim to provide a welcome space to play tennis and be active. Here is how we are increasing preventative cleaning measures and making adjustments to program formats and facility usage.

Preventative Cleaning Measures

Increased facility-wide cleanings by professional, third-party vendor: multiple times per week.

Increased and special emphasis placed on cleaning high traffic areas and equipment throughout the day, and after-hours, by front desk staff and tennis pros.
Tennis Pros cleaning equipment and activity space after each program or lesson.
Front Desk Staff cleaning community areas multiple times per day.
Hand sanitizer available at front desk.

Adjusted Class Formats & Facility Usage Updates

Limit class sizes to no more than 8 players per court.
Adjust program formats to promote safety and hygiene.
Align with governing health agencies and refrain from gatherings more than 250 people.
Temporarily suspend Racket Demo Program and refreshment sales.
Temporarily suspend use of showers. Bathrooms remain open.
For those who wish to re-schedule or cancel participation, contact your specific location.

Taking Care of Yourself & Others

We encourage you to use the following practices, similar to protecting yourself and others from a cold and flu:

Sneeze or cough into a tissue or upper sleeve;
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently (for 20 seconds or longer), or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not readily available, especially after sneezing or coughing;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth;
Limit close contact (e.g., hand-shaking, hugging, kissing) and avoid sharing food, drinks or towels with people, especially with people and animals who are sick;
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
Practice social distancing and replace traditional tennis handshakes with “Air high fives.”
Anyone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms will be kindly asked to leave, including staff. Should you become infected or are diagnosed, please contact Patrick Dreves, General Manager, at (503) 919-0832 or pdreves@pnw.usta.com.

In General

We are a tennis community and need to best support the well-being of ourselves and others!

Please remember that if you are experiencing symptoms while at the tennis center, notify the front desk, go home, and seek medical care from your physician. In the instance of a confirmed case of Coronavirus, you will be notified immediately that the facility is closed for specialized cleaning, and we will reopen only when safe to do so.

Please be assured that our office will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation and provide updates as needed. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to be proactive and adjust as information becomes available.

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ARCHIVE: March 11, 2020

Dear Members and Guests,

The USTA PNW office, and leadership at Vancouver Tennis Center and Galbraith Tennis Center, have been and continue to work closely with local and national partners to continually monitor the ever-evolving situation associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Our greatest priority is the safety and well-being of our members, guests, staff, volunteers, and tennis community.

Based on the latest information, we currently aim to continue all scheduled programs, lessons, activities, or events at our tennis facilities. However, we encourage you to consider all the facts available to you when deciding whether to participate and to do what is right for you and your family, including taking all appropriate precautions advised by the CDC and other local authorities.

Please be assured that our office will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Below are answers to frequently asked questions and how our staff is handling the situation at Vancouver Tennis Center and Galbraith Tennis Center.

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

COVID-19 is a type of virus that affects the respiratory tract. This group of viruses is associated with the common cold, pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome. To date, it is known to spread through human contact in a manner similar to the influenza virus.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms include runny nose, cough, and shortness of breath, headache, sore throat and fever. Symptoms of the virus typically develop up to 14 days after exposure, presenting as the common cold.

HOW IS CORONAVIRUS PREVENTED?

We encourage you to use the following practices, similar to protecting yourselves and others from a cold and flu:

Sneeze or cough into a tissue or upper sleeve;
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently (for 20 seconds or longer), or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not readily available, especially after sneezing or coughing;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth;
Limit close contact (e.g., hand-shaking, hugging, kissing) and avoid sharing food, drinks or towels with people, especially with people and animals who are sick;
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

IN GENERAL

If you experience the above symptoms while at the tennis center, please notify the front desk, go home, and seek medical care from your physician. In general, if you have any of the symptoms above, please stay home, do not play tennis, and seek medical guidance. For those who feel healthy and desire to play, we encourage substituting a racket touch or elbow bump in lieu of the traditional post-match handshake.

HOW WE ARE HANDLING THE SITUATION

Remaining available at all times to answer your questions or help provide information.
Increased and special emphasis placed on cleaning high traffic areas and equipment throughout the day, and after-hours, by front desk staff, tennis pros and leadership.
Additional ongoing facility cleanings by third-party vendor.
Hand sanitizer available at front desk.
Encourage everyone to use preventative practices to protect yourself and others. Reiterate importance of handwashing and hygiene procedures per CDC and state health guidelines.
Leadership connecting daily to communicate and monitor updates.
Ongoing communication with local and national partners, the City of Vancouver, and Vancouver School District.
Tennis Pros and staff will not come to the facility if they experience symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with symptoms.
We ask that members, non-members, and guest(s) also do not come to the facility if you experience symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with symptoms.
We will continue to provide communication updates and make any necessary schedule changes if needed. Should COVID-19 appear at our tennis facility, we will close the facility. The facility would remain closed until properly cleaned and it is safe to return.
Should you become infected or are diagnosed, please contact Patrick Dreves, General Manager, at (503) 919-0832 or pdreves@pnw.usta.com.