URTC celebrates 100 years of match play
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY PAM WYNE
SPECIAL TO THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
In 1914, a group of Ridgewood residents looking to create a small tennis club purchased a tract of land “in the heights” near Morningside and Bedford roads. For the next 50 years, village players young and old would fill the courts at the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club (URTC).
By 1964, the ever-increasing membership faced limited court space and the club looked toward expansion. Under the dynamic leadership and vision of URTC member Sandford Reis, the club purchased a 33-acre wooded parcel of property off Glenview Road adjacent to the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and built an outdoor tennis and paddle facility that ranks today as one of the very best in the state.
John Kennelly recalls as a 7-year-old looking through the fence behind the original courts on Bedford Road.
“I remember my dad playing doubles with our neighbors and always having such a good time. And then in 1967 the new club opened up and I joined as a junior member and have been playing on competitive tennis and paddle teams ever since,” Kennelly said, adding that it is not just about all play and no fun at the club. “Being a member-owned club, there are many opportunities to get involved in not only the running of the club, but in creating exciting social events for members and guests. There is no more beautiful place to be than hanging out on the patio, soaking in the scenery and enjoying the sounds of the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook waterfalls.”
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/clubs-and-service-organizations/urtc-celebrates-100-years-of-match-play-1.1086558#sthash.DA1ASQRK.dpuf
