Tennis courts in Sefton Park have benefited from a £9,000 investment, supported by the LTA Foundation and delivered by the LTA.
Mersey Bowmen Tennis Club, in Sefton Park, also accessed the Sport England Community Asset Fund. The Mersey Bowmen courts have undergone work to help support viability for years to come, including floodlights, accessible paths and a new gate system. This will enable local communities and members to participate in organised matches, coaching and social tennis all year, helping to manage wellbeing, mental and physical health and skills development.
Tennis courts in Sefton Park, which are among those to have benefited from this investment, hosted a fun day, supported by Cllr. Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture and Cllr. John Howard, Sefton Park ward member, along with representatives from Liverpool City Council and the LTA. There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
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 10 courts across the local area, providing a signification boost to sporting facilities.
Both sets of courts have undergone work to ensure viability for years to come, including new gate systems, and the club courts now have floodlights. 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 free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new 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. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability and will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA and Liverpool City Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Cllr. Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture, said:
“We are thrilled to see the improvements to the tennis courts at Sefton Park after these significant renovations. This investment not only revitalises our park facilities but also promotes physical activity and community engagement. The improved courts will provide a fantastic opportunity for residents of all ages to enjoy tennis, fostering both mental and physical well-being. We look forward to seeing the community benefit from these enhancements for many years to come.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:
“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Liverpool City Council officially open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
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. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”