Refurbishment of parks' tennis courts completed

All the improved courts will be available to use free of charge, Leeds City Council said

Work to completely refurbish 50 tennis courts in 11 parks in Leeds has been completed.

Leeds City Council said the second phase of the £787,000 project had seen courts at Meanwood Park, Cross Flatts Park and Potternewton Park revamped.

The scheme is part of a £30m national investment by the government and the Lawn Tennis Association to open up the sport to more people by improving public facilities.

The council said all its courts were free for the public to use but would need to be booked online to gain access with an entry code.

Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said the work meant the courts were "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."

He said health and wellbeing were a "high priority" for the authority and it was important to ensure people had access to green spaces and facilities for exercise.

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.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique said the council had worked with the LTA to deliver free tennis activities on the refurbished courts

More than 3,000 park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition have been 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.

As part of the project, Leeds City Council has also worked with the LTA to deliver a range of activities across the renovated courts

Scott Lloyd, LTA chief executive, said: "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."

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