Park tennis courts reopen after revamp
Courts at seven parks including Humberstone have had a £420,000 overhaul
- Published
Tennis courts at seven Leicester parks are reopening after a £420,000 revamp.
In total, 28 tennis courts have been renovated at Abbey Park, Aylestone Hall Gardens, Evington Park, Humberstone Park, Knighton Park, Monks Rest Gardens and Rushey Fields.
The courts were all previously free to use but now can be booked on a pay and play basis for £6 per session, or for an annual membership of £42 for a family of six, the same as the existing system in Victoria Park.
Work to the courts, carried out by Leicester City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), includes asphalt surfacing, new nets, repainting and new entrance gates.
Community company We Do Tennis will ensure the courts are maintained and organise activities across the parks including tennis coaching and free sessions for all ages with rackets provided.
'Vital facilities'
A council spokesperson told the BBC income from the new booking system would fund the upkeep of the facilities, adding: "The income raised by introducing these charges will go back into the repair and maintenance of the courts, safeguarding their future and keeping them in a good state for years to come."
Disabled residents or people on means-tested benefits will not be charged.
Sean Atterbury, director of neighbourhood and environmental services, said: “We know how much people value the tennis courts in our parks, and this investment and partnership with the LTA and We Do Tennis will ensure that these facilities are well-maintained and of a high quality for years to come.
“This partnership will also provide free sessions to encourage more people to enjoy tennis.”
Julie Porter, LTA chief operating officer, said: “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.”
Free-to-use city council tennis courts remain available at Aylestone Playing Fields, Mowmacre Sports Ground and Western Park.
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