Free coaching and sessions are being provided to encourage more people to play thanks to Salford’s biggest investment in tennis in years.
Twenty-one courts at Albert Park, Boothsbank Park, Buile Hill Park, Eccles Recreation Ground, Lightoaks Park, Park Parr Fold Park and Victoria Park have seen over £660,000 of investment including resurfacing, line painting, new nets, lighting and secure fencing. thanks to Salford City Council, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Tennis Foundation and the government as part of the LTA Park Project.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) invested £272,000 on improving court surfaces, new nets and electronic access gates across the city. Salford City Council added £272,494 for disabled access, enhanced fencing and flood lighting to courts at Parr Fold Park, much of which came from Section 106 payments made by developers.
To celebrate Salford City Council and Salford Community Leisure are holding an open day on Saturday 1 July at Parr Fold Park, Park Road, Walkden, M28 7DU.
Visitors can enjoy a tennis coaching session on the day from 10am to 12 noon with We Do Tennis – pre-booking essential on the We Do Tennis website.
From 12 noon to 2pm there will be tennis-based fun, suitable for all ages with no pre-booking required and the park’s Pavilion café will be serving Wimbledon themed refreshments all day from 9am to 5pm.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “This is the biggest investment in tennis in Salford in years and it’s great to see so many courts being brought back into use. Although we have contributed to the project, the council did not have enough money to do this alone so the investment from the Lawn Tennis Association is very welcome.
“Salford Community Leisure and We Do Tennis will offer a free coaching programme, with equipment to encourage children, particularly those who don’t normally take part in sports, and adults to have a go or improve their game. SCL will also work closely with local schools to help children develop tennis skills in a familiar setting before introducing them to tennis in the park.
“There will also be local tennis leagues to encourage friendly and social competitions and the new booking system makes it easier to find, book and play in a local park court. For a small booking fee players can guarantee a court being available and the money from this will be re-invested to make sure the courts are maintained to high standards.”
Courts will be available to book in the next few weeks on the LTA website in Albert Park (3), Boothsbank Park (1), Buile Hill Park (2), Eccles Recreation Ground (2), Lightoaks Park (2) Parr Fold Park (6), Princes Park (1) and Victoria Park (4).
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities providing a significant boost to sporting facilities. This funding is part of the UK government’s and LTA’s joint investment of over £30 million, to bring thousands of tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life across Britain, and support a new generation of players to get active by trying the sport.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Salford 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.”
Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew MP, added: "We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health. The government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including across Salford.
"These improved tennis facilities will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."