AGAINST the backdrop of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the newly refurbished tennis courts from Zetland Park and Borough Park will open to the public from Thursday, 1 August.
The courts are reopening with a month of free sessions for all residents and visitors in celebration of the Paris Olympics.
Works have recently been completed on the tennis courts as part of the £30 million nationwide investment delivered by the LTA and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation, to see public tennis courts across the country refurbished, in order to improve accessibility and playing conditions.
Throughout August, visitors of the parks are invited to book free sessions to use the courts by visiting https://www.lta.org.uk/play/book-a-tennis-court/. From September, the courts can be booked via the same login, but sessions will become chargeable which will be used to maintain the high standards condition of the courts over the years.
The Council will also be working closely with an operator, who will look after the long-term management of the courts, to run holiday programmes, after school coaching, 1:1 coaching and match play for all age groups to give everybody the opportunity to be active, learn and practice tennis, and make the most out of their parks. Park tennis courts play an important role in opening up the sport to the community, which has many health and wellbeing benefits.
Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare and Housing, Cllr Ursula Earl said:
“I am very pleased to say that the newly transformed tennis courts are now open and what a better way to launch them, than by allowing residents and visitors to play for free over the upcoming weeks. Park tennis courts allow people of all ages and backgrounds to be active and improve their mental and physical health. We were glad to work with the LTA to give our tennis courts an uplift and improve their accessibility and functionality and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact the courts will have on our local communities.”
Ward Member for Zetland, Cllr Jade Lavan, who had a significant involvement in ensuring the smooth operation of the renovation works, said:
“The transformation of the tennis courts is truly incredible, and we are delighted to have been included in this nationwide investment. I hope residents will make the most out of these spaces and the future activities and coaching sessions that will be delivered.”