There are few traditional, community-spirited organizations remaining in Whistler, but one that I feel is well worth preserving is the Whistler Racket Club (WRC), under new and energetic managers including Jamie, Ollie, Sean, Shea and Paul to name only the ones I know.
From a dowdy and underfunded facility, the staff at WRC has made this a community meeting place with family activities such as axe throwing, pickleball, kids' games and of course tennis, with the only indoor courts anywhere near Whistler.
On weekends the club brings in live local music at their quaintly decorated outdoor patio and barbecue.
The only other place like this in Whistler is the Point Artist-Run Centre, which I hold in similar high regard.
Kudos to the Beedie Group for letting these managers run WRC in such a community-minded, yet entrepreneurial, style.
Hopefully any rezoning of the Northlands lands will allow the facility to remain, the current spirit to continue, and will not cede the management to some less-imaginative bureaucrats.
The current WRC, and The Point are true Whistler gems that distinguish themselves from the Vail Resorts and Aspen style of catering only to the rich and famous.
We need these two organizations more than ever.
Jim Pipe // Whistler
