As the world tunes in for the start of an exciting summer of sport with events like Wimbledon taking place, tennis fever is sweeping across the UK. So we thought what a perfect time to take a moment to highlight the brilliant work coming from The Park Tennis Project. So far, over 2,500 tennis courts have been refurbished and reopened to the public. This is an investment being made by the UK Government and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Tennis Foundation. This is a way of bringing unplayable tennis courts back to life in the hopes of benefiting communities across the county.
What Is the Park Tennis Project?
The Park Tennis Project is a £30million investment. It aims to transform communities and inspire more people to get involved in playing tennis for the first time. They are focusing on three main areas; making tennis more welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring. As well as creating a more inclusive environment and forming more opportunities for people to engage in tennis.
The Park Tennis Project are actively working with local authorities across Britain to deliver sustainable facilities to achieve these refurbished tennis courts. By also investing into gate access technology and introducing an online booking system, it is making accessibility that much easier for people wanting to get active. Therefore, by implementing these methods, it is creating a simpler approach for the communities involved to book a court or a tennis lesson.
Not only that but a range of activities on these courts will be available. They are planned to be delivered by volunteers as well as equipment being provided to those who book. The activities will include Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions which will be free to the public. During this you will be able to meet new people and practise tennis skills free of charge!
Tennis Courts in Essex That Got a Makeover
The Park Tennis Project has been working with local authorities to identify tennis courts that are in unplayable conditions. A number of factors must be considered before they decide on which courts to renovate. For example, a park within an area of high deprivation, which would have the biggest impact on participants and communities would be considered a priority.
From Chelmsford to Southend, and Basildon to Colchester, tennis courts have been refurbished, gates installed, and online booking systems rolled out. Here is a quick breakdown of some of the courts that have been refurbished so far:
- Chelmsford leads the way with major upgrades at parks like Lionmede, Oaklands, and Chelmer.
- Southend-on-Sea has revamped courts in Shoebury, Milton, and Southchurch, making seaside tennis a breeze.
- Basildon had improvements at Mopsies and Lake Meadows, helping more people get involved in the sport.
- Colchester, Harlow, and Epping Forest also saw refurbishments and tech upgrades to boost access and quality.
Where parks may have not had full refurbishments, they were still able to see benefits. They were able to utilise things like online booking, signage and making tennis more accessible across the board.
How These Upgrades Will Benefit Local Communities
These refurbished tennis courts not only encourage the public to enjoy tennis but also bring people together. As well as, getting them moving and creating a sense of welcoming. The new courts encourage physical activity no matter your ability, and now there are more spaces to do so. This community benefit ties in brilliantly with the Find Your Active campaign from us at Active Essex. It is all about enabling people to find their perfect way to enjoy movement that fits within their lifestyle. And for many people that may be a game of tennis on these new courts!
Now is the perfect opportunity to get involved in tennis. With Wimbledon inspiring the nation and local tennis courts getting a fresh new look! No matter your ability, whether its your first time picking up a racket or rediscovering your love for tennis, these tennis court upgrades are here to help you Find Your Active and enjoy sport your way.
So, grab some mates, book a court, and get playing because your local park might just be the next big tennis hotspot!
