The Caerphilly County Borough Council has recently completed a significant renovation of tennis courts in the Caerphilly area, with a total investment of £377,828.22. This project, undertaken in collaboration with the LTA Tennis Foundation, aims to rejuvenate sporting facilities and provide opportunities for the local community to engage in tennis activities.
Extensive refurbishment has taken place at six park sites, including the reopening of the tennis courts at Blackwood Showfields. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by Rob Hartshorn, the Head of Public Protection, Community & Leisure Services at Caerphilly County Borough Council, and other local authority representatives alongside the LTA. This event also provided the local community with the opportunity to participate in various tennis sessions.
The investment in the Parks Tennis Project is part of the LTA’s initiative to improve parks tennis facilities across Britain, resulting in the transformation of 18 courts in the local area. The refurbishment work included resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets, and gate systems to ensure longevity and sustainability. This nationwide programme aims to revive rundown park tennis courts to provide essential opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage in physical activities.
In addition to the regular Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, the refurbished courts will also host Local Tennis Leagues, promoting friendly and sociable local competitions. To ensure accessibility, the courts can be booked through the LTA website, with new booking systems and gate access technology improving ease of use. Annual passes are available for purchase, offering families and students the opportunity to play on a weekly basis at affordable rates.
Rob Hartshorn, in his capacity as Head of Public Protection, Community & Leisure Services at Caerphilly County Borough Council, expressed satisfaction with the project, highlighting the opportunities it offers for the community across different age groups and skill levels. Julie Porter, the Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, also commended the reopening of the tennis courts, emphasizing the importance of public tennis facilities in promoting physical activity and inclusivity.
This collaborative effort between the LTA and the Caerphilly County Borough Council signifies a milestone in enhancing the local sporting infrastructure, paving the way for residents to reap the benefits of the newly refurbished tennis courts for years to come.