Twenty-five years ago, the Overlook Tennis Club boasted a membership over 100, who competed in regular round robin play, tournaments and clinics. But over the years, the club has faced increased challenges retaining members and finding court time. In 2021, the club has disbanded and decided to donate $5,200 to Boothbay Region YMCA for improved tennis court lighting. “We’ve struggled for years with a declining membership. We had about 40 remaining before COVID-19 hit. We lost members who didn’t think we could play this year,” said Roxanne Smith, a founding member of the club. “With about 20 members, we thought we’d try for one more year, but our tennis court lease wasn’t renewed. At that point, we had enough, and disbanded.” 

The club began in 1996, leasing courts on Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ property. The courts were part of a proposed housing development. The developer offered the courts for public use until the Gardens bought the property. The club used the court for 14 years before CMBG decided against renewing the club’s lease. The club charged an initial $25 membership fee and raised money through clinics, tournaments and dinners for its operating expenses. The club started playing at Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club for a few years before leasing courts at Spruce Point Inn and a Boothbay home.  “It became harder and harder finding court time. We couldn’t continue with our round robins, clinics and tournaments. So our members scheduled their time and played a few times per week,” Smith said.

The remaining members will now pursue other tennis playing avenues. Smith plans on playing with two foursomes. Her groups will likely play at Boothbay Region High School this spring or at the YMCA when indoor tennis returns after hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Club members are sad the club is ending, but they are happy to donate for an improved local tennis facility.

“The good news, even though the club is coming to an end, the tennis courts at the Boothbay Region YMCA will receive the residual savings accumulated over the years.,” Smith said. “I spoke to Andy (Hamblett). The money has a specific purpose which is for better field house lighting, and he agreed. I think this benefits everyone.”