As much as things have changed in 50 years, they've virtually remained the same for the Don Mills Tennis Club.
Sure there are roads and cars now where cattle once grazed, when the Bond Park-area club sat inside the former curling dome at The Donway and Don Mills Road (where the Shell gas station stood). There's no longer a curling dome on the property where the modernized clubhouse remains. And its members no longer require an extra bus fair to access it. But the one thing that has remained constant over the years has been the club's resourceful executive and dedicated volunteer base."We owe so much to our founding members who saw the need for tennis in Don Mills and met that need head on," said past president, Dick Booth, at a 50th anniversary celebration speech to members and former members recently. Ward 25 Don Valley West Councillor Cliff Jenkins and his wife also attended. "Where other clubs unfortunately have failed, our club has been so successful through the efforts of our many volunteers throughout its entire lifetime," continued Booth. "How fortunate we are to have had their dedicated service. Who would have known 50 years ago the vacant field where we stand today would become such an asset."After 50 years of service with the club and his eye sight worsening, this will be former club president Ed Munro's last year. He was one of its original members."I enjoyed the club for many, many years," he said.Jasmin Carlton, the club's president for the last seven years, was a late bloomer to the game, but she's made up for it. "One of my sisters introduced me to it, I liked it and the rest is history. Now, somehow it's become a big part of me...A new phase in my life I guess."The club, which currently has around 500 junior and adult members, is hosting a Tennis Access tournament for clubs on Aug. 7 and will host a final gala in celebration of its golden milestone Oct. 2.For more info about the event or the club contact Jasmin Carlton at 416-484-1353.