Tennis courts in Central Park and Itter Park will officially reopen as part of a £140,000 renovation taking place across the Peterborough City Council area, managed by the LTA, and funded by the council, supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation.
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 six courts across Peterborough, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come - four courts at Central Park have been resurfaced, and two courts at Itter Park are now re-painted with new fencing installed. Smart gates have also been installed at both venues, making it easy to book and reserve courts and activities online.
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 from Monday. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. Small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come (£7 per court per hour or an annual pass for £47). The LTA and Peterborough City 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.
Councillor Alison Jones, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “I’m delighted that two of our most popular parks now boast fully refurbished tennis courts. People of all ages will benefit from these facilities for years to come, providing many hours of enjoyment and tying in with our work to create healthy, sustainable communities.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that our public sports facilities are accessible and of a high standard. The courts will be great additions to Central and Itter Parks, which are already award-winning venues that we are lucky to have in Peterborough."
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Peterborough officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”