The Bowling Club has given the Tennis committee an ultimatum to either significantly boost usage or give the courts up for disabled parking.
A decision is likely to be made within the next six to eight months, according to Bowling Club Chairman Bob Merriman.
“The Bowling Club is currently looking at a whole redevelopment arising out of when the netball courts move.
“Tennis usage has gone down to only around six playing members and we’ve got four courts there.”
The club spent upwards of $80,000 some eight years ago resurfacing the courts and installing new lighting in the hope of drawing more members.
“We’ve had a Tennis in Schools program and we’ve brought down Tennis Victoria and we’ve tried different things but the numbers have just decreased and decreased,” Cr Merriman said.
“It’s now a question of we’re in difficulty with parking for the disabled in the vicinity so we’re being forced to look at alternatives and one of those is whether we finish up with two tennis courts and car parking and rubbish disposal at the other end. “
The potential shake-up may also include the croquet greens being moved to where the netball courts currently are, which would take up car spaces on the King Street side of the club.
Cr Merriman said it was almost certain a call would be made to take two tennis courts unless numbers “significantly” improved.
“Tennis unfortunately is in decline, it just doesn’t have the same numbers of people playing the sport. The commitment we’ve given to the Tennis Club Committee is there’s going to be at least two courts remaining.”