The refurbishment of tennis courts in Leicester’s parks has been successfully completed, resulting in a remarkable transformation, all made possible through a substantial investment of £420,000. A total of 28 tennis courts spread across seven city parks, namely Evington Park, Humberstone Park, Monks Rest Gardens, Knighton Park, Aylestone Hall Gardens, Abbey Park, and Rushey Fields, have undergone significant upgrades in anticipation of the forthcoming summer season.
These enhancements encompass the installation of new asphalt surfacing, repainting, replacement of nets, and new entrance gates, all of which aim to elevate the overall quality of the playing environment for tennis enthusiasts. This endeavor has been realized through a collaborative effort involving the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the Government, the LTA Tennis Foundation, and Leicester City Council.
A UK-wide not-for-profit community company called We Do Tennis will take on a crucial role in ensuring the proper maintenance of the courts. Moreover, they will introduce an array of activities across the park sites, including tennis coaching and weekly organized sessions open to participants of all ages, complete with provided rackets.
Furthermore, We Do Tennis will oversee a booking system for the courts, where families of six can utilize the service for an annual fee of £42 or opt for a pay-per-session alternative at £6. This initiative follows a successful trial at Victoria Park, where it garnered significant uptake, with 382 household memberships sold and over 2,000 casual court bookings made.
The new booking system will be progressively rolled out at the seven sites, commencing from June 3rd, offering online booking options accessible through the LTA website. The revenue generated from this booking system will be reinvested into the maintenance of the courts.
Special provisions will be made for city residents with disabilities or those on means-tested benefits, exempting them from court booking charges. Additionally, free park tennis sessions will be available, offering an hour of free tennis weekly at each of the seven sites, inclusive of equipment. These sessions are scheduled for weekends at 10 am.
Volunteers interested in contributing to the free sessions can register on the free park tennis website, with prior tennis experience not being a requirement.
Sean Atterbury, the director of neighbourhood and environmental services at Leicester City Council, underlined the council’s recognition of the significance people place on the tennis courts in their parks. With the investment and the partnership with the LTA and We Do Tennis, their objective is to ensure the sustained maintenance and high quality of these facilities in the long term. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to promote tennis through the provision of free sessions to encourage participation.
The renovation program in Leicester forms part of the LTA’s extensive investment in park tennis facilities across Britain, involving a £30 million fund for the transformation and upgrade of over 2,000 courts. The primary goal is to promote broader participation in the sport and provide essential opportunities for children and adults to engage in physical activity through tennis.
Julie Porter, the chief operating officer at the LTA, accentuated the importance of public tennis courts and expressed delight in their official reopening to the public in better condition than ever. The initiative aims to encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to take up tennis and relish the experience of playing.