

Greetings Orchard Tennis Club members!
We hope all of you and your families, and those close to you, are healthy and safe as we navigate these uncertain times. First, some good news to share!
• We have completely resurfaced all of our courts to smooth, shock absorbing perfection.
• We are installing new and improved lighting! New, technologically advanced LED lighting will provide a cool daylight that makes the balls - and the lines - easier to see.
The tennis community is fortunate to have a source of stress-relief that allows us to be both physical and social, an opportunity we cannot take for granted, especially this season. Following Maryland and CDC guidelines, we are instituting some safeguards that should pay real dividends in the near future as we work together to reduce the trajectory of the coronavirus outbreak and protect our ability to play the sport we love.
First, a quick note about masks: if you have any doubt about the ability of masks to protect you from spreading a virus or getting infected, try this simple trick: put on a mask and try to blow out a candle. The effort it takes to create enough wind through a mask is a simple experiment that proves the protective strength of a basic mask.
Our strategy to beat the virus:
• Masks are required when you enter and exit the building
• Per USTA recommendations, we ask that you maintain 6 feet apart during play and avoid physical contact with other players
• Hand sanitizers will be placed on each court, throughout the lobby and bathrooms
• We will have garage doors open on courts and additional fans throughout to provide circulation
• Please bring your own water bottles
• We will have central air circulation in the lobby and bathrooms
• We ask that you minimize time in the lobby if possible but if you must conduct brief business you must wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from employees and members
• Furniture will be replaced with minimal seating in lobby to help adhere to social distancing guidelines
• The coffee station is closed until further notice
• The fitness area will remain closed until further notice
• The showers will be closed until further notice
• The entire club facility will be disinfected daily
• Please stay home if you’re not feeling well
These are simple steps, and some small inconveniences, that will allow us to resume play and stay protected. We take your safety seriously and truly appreciate your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Denis Rende
Jim Maldeis