THE $3.5 million Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre officially opens today (Thursday) and is set to be a big hit with tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

The centre has 18 floodlit tennis courts with Plexicushion Prestige surfacing – the same as Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian open – along with a function centre, cafe and much more.

Cardinia Shire Council built thecentre with funding support fromthe State Government and TennisAustralia as part of its commitment to providing a range of recreationaland sporting facilities to meet the needs of the fast-growing local com-munity.

The centre will offer casualcourt hire, tennis coaching, private tennis lessons, school holiday clinics, Pee Wee tennis lessons and junior tournaments.