Caerphilly County Borough Council has officially reopened as part of a £377,828.22 renovation taking place across the six park sites in Caerphilly area, managed by the LTA, and Caerphilly County Borough Council, supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation.
Tennis courts in Blackwood Showfields, which are among Six parks in the area to have benefited from this investment, were recently reopened by Rob Hartshorn, Head of Public Protection, Community & Leisure Services at Caerphilly County Borough Council and other local authority representatives, along with representatives from the LTA. There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 18 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and gate systems. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
As well as weekly Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the refurbished courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. A household annual pass can be purchased for £39 – a price which translates to families being able to play every week for less than 50p per player for a two-person game. A student annual pass costs £19, whilst for those not subscribing to an annual pass, pay and play will be available for £4.50 per hour – small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA and Caerphilly County Borough Council will work together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Rob Hartshorn, Head of Public Protection, Community & Leisure Services at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said:
“These newly refurbished courts are a fantastic addition to our community. They provide a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy tennis and stay active. We are proud to have partnered with the LTA and the LTA Tennis Foundation on this project, which will benefit our residents for years to come.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:
“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Caerphilly officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
