Park tennis courts reopen for free use
Park tennis courts have officially reopened for free public use after a renovation costing £116,000.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council used funding from the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation for the work on 14 courts at Wolstanton Park and Westlands Sports Ground.
The refurbishment was managed by the LTA as part of a wider programme to transform more than 2,000 public courts across Britain.
The work was celebrated at an official event at Westlands Sports Ground. Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the borough and county councillor for the area covering the Westlands tennis courts, said:
Having accessible, good quality sporting facilities is so important to keeping people healthy and active, which is why we’re making these tennis courts available free of charge, so as many residents as possible can enjoy the benefit.”
He added:
I am delighted that we have been able to work with the LTA to deliver this significant refurbishment at Westlands and Wolstanton and I hope it encourages people young and old on to the court.”
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 14 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host local tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website – where users should search for either ‘Wolstanton Park’, or ‘Westlands Sports Ground’. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The courts are free to play on and The LTA and borough council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:
After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Newcastle-Under-Lyme officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”