Renovated tennis courts reopen across city parks

Councillor Mohammed Rafique says public parks in Leeds will now have good quality courts for "many years to come"

A major scheme to renovate more than 40 public tennis courts across Leeds is nearing completion, the city council said.

The courts were refurbished after a £650,000 investment from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as part of a nationwide project to encourage more people to get active outdoors.

Almost all of the 42 courts have reopened, Leeds City Council said, with work soon beginning on the final facility at Roundhay Park.

The resurfaced facilities, including those in Headingley, Chapel Allerton and Harehills, now have improved court accessibility and new booking systems.

The project is supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation and delivered by the LTA, with work carried out over the summer.

The renovated courts are:

• Beckett Park, Headingley

• Burley Park

• Chapel Allerton Park

• Grove Road Recreation Ground, near Temple Newsam

• Harehills Park

• Roundhay Park (yet to be completed)

• Springhead Park, Rothwell

• The Hollies, Weetwood

The council said the renovated courts would host free weekly organised sessions for all ages, with equipment provided.

The courts can be booked through the LTA website, with players required to pre-book from late November to gain gate access via a pin code.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: "Investing in these facilities will ensure that we have good quality public tennis courts available across the city for people of all ages to use free of charge for many years to come."

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