Brittany Kelley
BUDA — On a mission to bring happiness and community to Buda, Grant Chambers and four other Hays and Travis county locals are preparing to open Racfit, a tennis and pickleball facility.
The idea sparked when Chambers and another owner were headed to Dallas to play in a tennis tournament: “It’s well known that this whole area, Hays County and Travis County, has just ballooned with people. While that’s happened, while the population’s almost doubled, no new tennis courts have been built,” he said. “So, we just said, ‘Why hasn’t anyone built another tennis facility?’ And then, that just led to, ‘Okay, let’s be the ones to do it.’”
Chambers has been playing tennis since he fell in love with the sport in middle school. The most interesting part, he said, is that tennis is for anyone at any age, with many adults playing well into their 80s and 90s. He also shared that there is a study that stated that the sport could add up to nine years to the lifespan of those participating.
In the six years since that conversation occurred, Buda was chosen as its homebase location, both due to the availability of property and the lack of amenities in the area. The name “Racfit” is a combination of racket sports and fitness.
Although the idea was initially for tennis, pickleball has exploded in popularity over the years, so Chambers felt that it was natural to include it in the design. This was only validated when 46% of those that initially responded to Racfit’s interest list stated that they wanted to play both tennis and pickleball.
The facility, located at 1390 Robert S. Light Blvd., Buda, is equipped with eight pickleball courts, eight tennis courts and two fitness rooms that will be designated to strengthen the physicality required to play both of the sports. Additionally, there will be a room with a 13-foot interactive screen to play virtual games — which could be used for children’s birthday parties — a Courtside Cantina, televisions and music throughout.
“Our goal is to bring more of an entertainment experience to tennis and pickleball,” said Chambers. “Tennis, historically, has been sort of this quiet sport. We want to change that. We have eight TVs. We have a bar right by the tennis courts. You’re going to hear music when you’re walking in — on the main walkway from the parking lot, we’ll have music hidden in the walkway. So, this is not your hush, hush country club tennis. This is the complete opposite of that. It’s more of family entertainment.”
The familial goal is important to the owners, as there will be an opportunity for onsite daycare and food trucks on a large, turf-filled patio outside, filled with games. He emphasized that they hope families will come to hang out and relax, even if they’re not participating in the sports.
Despite there being other options for facilities, Chambers stated that Racfit is unique in having designated courts for both tennis and pickleball, as many facilities are attempting to transfigure their current tennis courts into pickleball courts.
Furthermore, he stressed that Racfit’s homegrown nature is important. Many of the facilities popping up are owned by corporations that want to put up several locations throughout the nation, Chambers continued, but he and his co-owners are proud of the fact that they have used their hard-earned money to create something so close to home.
Those interested in memberships at Racfit would have early access and discounts, but residents who want to sign up for open play, classes or private lessons are welcome to do so for a fee. The courts are also available to rent for use.
“There’s a social, well-being component [to the sports], as well. A lot of people miss that point in these sports. There’s just great people in a great community around them. So, yes, you get a physical workout, but you’re also working on your mental well-being because you’re congregating with people, socializing with people. There’s a lot of great sports out there, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded one,” concluded Chambers.
In the future, the facility hopes to host tournaments, create teams and have other opportunities.
Racfit is set to host a soft opening March 1 and aims for a spring grand opening. For more information, visit www.goracfit.com.
