Park tennis courts re-opened after renovation
Cannon Hill Park tennis courts have been officially re-opened following a £330,000 renovation that took place across the Birmingham City Council area.
Cannon Hill Park is one of nine parks in the city where 27 tennis courts in total have been refurbished as part of the biggest ever transformation of parks tennis facilities across Britain.
The scheme is delivered by the Lawn Tennis Association and funded by the council in partnership with UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation's Park Tennis Project.
Tennis courts in Cannon Hill Park were recently re-opened at an event attended by Dave Wagg, Head of Sport Birmingham City Council, along with representatives from the LTA and British tennis pro Harry Wendelken. The event provided an opportunity for local schools to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA has delivered the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, transforming 3,200 park tennis courts in over 1,000 parks. Cannon Hill Park is one of nine parks in the area to have benefited from this investment.
Courts across the city have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and a new gate system. 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.
The programme is being delivered locally through a partnership between MicroSports and Birmingham City Council, helping to create a sustainable and inclusive future for park tennis across the city. Since taking over the management of Birmingham’s park tennis venues, MicroSports has worked closely with the Council to grow community participation, expand free and low-cost opportunities to play, and create welcoming initiatives for people of all ages and abilities to get active through tennis.
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. The LTA, Birmingham City Council and Microsports will work together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Frank Jordan, Executive Director of City Operations at Birmingham City Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the courts at Cannon Hill Park and across Birmingham brought back to life through this partnership with the LTA and MicroSports. By combining refurbished courts with free, accessible sessions, we’re helping remove barriers to participation and opening up the sport to residents of all ages and abilities. We’re proud to be part of a programme that is creating lasting benefits for Birmingham’s residents and supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:
“We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Birmingham officially re-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, for years to come.”
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