The history of Allen Park begins with the establishment of a farm called Pleasant Valley by Louis Langoulant back in 1869. However the impetus for the development of Allen Park as a major recreation area came from the councillor, John Allen who represented the west ward on Claremont/Nedlands Council for thirty one years (1919–1950). As a result of Allen's constant lobbying, the 15 acres that is now Allen Park was secured as a recreational reserve.
During the 1920's Agnes Buchanan and her brother Bert commenced campaigning for the opening of a tennis club in the area and in 1929, permission was granted for 2 gravel tennis courts in Swanbourne Reserve (Allen Park). In the early years there were no club rooms or shelter of any kind and afternoon teas were enjoyed on the front verandah of the Buchanan home. The club gradually grew with a new clubhouse duly erected in 1938 overlooking the now four grass courts.
Unfortunately, just as the club was establishing itself as an attractive sporting entity, war clouds gathered in Europe and during the 1940's and 1950's the club was severely in decline. Eventually, the situation resolved and a new clubhouse was built in 1964 along with further grass courts, followed in 1971 by the first of the new hard courts.
By the early 1990's the club had consolidated its facilities and finances and with its fully functioning seven grass courts, four floodlit hard courts, men's and women's pennant teams and very competitive membership rates, Allen Park Tennis Club provided a great environment for competitive and social tennis. Allen Park Tennis Club has come a long way since it was first mooted by Agnes and Bert Buchanan. It has established itself as a friendly club, which welcomes visitors and provides great opportunities for good tennis and plenty of socialising.
Photographs from the club archive — court reconstruction, clubhouse renovations and members enjoying tennis at Allen Park over the decades.
1869
Louis Langoulant establishes a farm called Pleasant Valley — the earliest chapter in the history of Allen Park.
1919–1950
Councillor John Allen represents the west ward on the Claremont/Nedlands Council for thirty-one years. His constant lobbying secures the 15 acres that is now Allen Park as a recreational reserve.
1920s
Agnes Buchanan and her brother Bert campaign for a tennis club in the area.
1929
Permission is granted for two gravel tennis courts in Swanbourne Reserve (Allen Park). With no clubrooms or shelter of any kind, afternoon teas are enjoyed on the front verandah of the Buchanan home.
1938
A new clubhouse is erected overlooking the now four grass courts.
1940s–1950s
War clouds gather in Europe and the club falls severely into decline.
1964
The situation resolves and a new clubhouse is built, along with further grass courts.
1971
The club's first hard courts are laid.
Early 1990s
The club consolidates its facilities and finances — seven fully functioning grass courts, four floodlit hard courts, men's and women's pennant teams and very competitive membership rates.
Today
Allen Park Tennis Club has established itself as a family friendly club, which welcomes visitors and provides great opportunities for good tennis and plenty of socialising.
Members, visitors and families are all welcome at Allen Park — come and add your name to nearly a hundred years of club history.
Coaching & programs