Parks tennis courts given complete overhaul

Parks across Leeds have seen a total investment of over £787,000 ensuring that top quality facilities are available for local communities in the city.

The second phase of the project has recently been completed, where all tennis courts at Meanwood Park, Cross Flatts Park and Potternewton Park were refurbished.

The courts are now all back open after having been closed during the work.

Last summer tennis courts were completely renewed in Beckett Park in Headingley, Burley Park, Chapel Allerton Park, Grove Road Recreation Ground near Temple Newsam, Harehills Park, Roundhay Park, Springhead Park in Rothwell and The Hollies in Weetwood.

The project is part of a £30m nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain and open up the sport to more people.

This investment has seen over 3,000 park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

Tennis courts within Leeds’ parks are free for the general public to use and provide opportunities for children and adults to get active and enjoy time outdoors.

As part of the project, Leeds City Council is also working with the LTA to deliver a range of activities across the renovated courts, which will host weekly Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions with equipment provided, as well as Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “We’re delighted that the work to refurbish tennis courts across the city has now been completed, with the courts looking great and fit for the future.

“Investing in these spaces will ensure that we have good quality public tennis courts available across the city for people of all ages to use free of charge, so that everyone can practice or learn a new sport. Health and wellbeing is a high priority for Leeds City Council and so it is important to us to make sure everyone has access to green spaces and facilities to exercise.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA’s chief executive, said: 

“We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Leeds back 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 across the city, for years to come.”

At the refurbished courts, visitors will need a booking to gain access to the courts with a pin code. Bookings can be made for free online at https://www.lta.org.uk/play.  

Learn more about free tennis sessions at https://www.lta.org.uk/play/free-park-tennis/.

ENDS