The tennis courts at Bull Croft Park in Wallingford are poised to undergo a substantial makeover, thanks to a £50,000 refurbishment project jointly funded by the Wallingford Town Council (WTC) and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
The revitalized courts will facilitate complimentary and cost-effective tennis sessions for the general public, in collaboration with a contractor that is yet to be determined. These sessions will encompass the LTA’s Free Park Tennis events, held every weekend at 10am, where volunteers will lead participants of all ages and skill levels in various activities. Additionally, the park will host local tennis leagues, presenting an opportunity for residents to partake in friendly competitions.
Tennis enthusiasts will have the option to book the courts for £6 per hour, or procure an annual household pass for £45, granting unlimited court bookings for less than £1 per week. Moreover, the LTA’s website will facilitate advanced court reservations, guaranteeing availability at the designated time of play.
The construction work is scheduled to commence in the Spring and is expected to be completed within a four-week timeframe. Councillor Steve Holder, chair of the parks, gardens, allotments, and open spaces committee, conveyed that this refurbishment project is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing facilities in Bull Croft Park. This encompasses the installation of a new children’s play area, pavilion, adult functional outdoor gym, and steps and bridges to preserve the 9th-century Saxon fortifications, which are currently undergoing the planning process. The proposed plan involves archaeological digs in the coming months, with the upgrade set to commence in 2025.
The Bull Croft Park project contributes to a wider, £30 million Government initiative and LTA Tennis Foundation project that seeks to modernize public tennis courts across the UK by refurbishing outdated or unplayable courts. The initiative will also involve the implementation of new gate-access technology and an improved booking system to streamline the process of reserving court time.
In addition to the physical benefits of playing tennis, such as improved physical fitness and mental wellbeing, these refurbished venues are projected to motivate both children and adults to remain active. Particularly popular among women, girls, and communities traditionally under-represented in the sport, the renovated facilities will further contribute to the sport’s inclusivity and accessibility to all.
Julie Porter, the chief operating officer at the LTA, expressed the association’s pleasure in collaborating with the Wallingford Town Council to revitalize the park tennis facilities and expand opportunities for people to partake in the sport. The partnership aims to offer the local community various accessible opportunities to play tennis and help introduce the sport to a wider audience.
The project marks a significant stride towards creating an appealing and inviting space for both tennis enthusiasts and casual players. With a heightened emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, the refurbishment of the Wallingford tennis courts promises to unlock new possibilities for anyone interested in picking up a racket and enjoying a game of tennis.