Two tennis courts in Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Bakewell Recreation Ground have officially reopened in a £35,000 renovation, managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation.
The Bakewell courts, which are among two parks in the area to have benefited from this investment, can be booked now – for free in the month of October – and will be officially reopened at an event on Wednesday next week, 29 October, attended by District Council and LTA representatives.
There will be an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions. Family sessions will run from 10am to 11am and adult taster sessions from 11am to 12 noon, followed by a ribbon cutting and refreshments in the Recreation Ground pavilion.
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 four courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
Two years ago, a £46,000 refurbishment of two courts in Matlock’s Hall Leys Park was unveiled. It continues to be a resounding success, with a significant increase in usage, including popular new offerings like Walking Tennis and Rusty Rackets.
Both of the facilities in Bakewell and Matlock have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, new vibrant court painting, repairs to fencing, new nets and posts, and a new gate system linked to online booking. 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 Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions - with equipment provided - the refurbished courts will host local tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
The courts in Bakewell and Matlock are available to book now via the LTA website at www.lta.org.uk/play
The booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. Courts can be booked for £6 per hour - the small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.
Following a public consultation in July, the District Council has retained a basketball hoop (pictured below) at the rear of one of the refurbished Bakewell courts. This is available to book for free Monday to Friday 4pm – 6pm (daylight hours only) and Saturday and Sunday 2pm – 4pm.
District Council Leader, Councillor Steve Flitter said: "The refurbishment has transformed the courts in Bakewell and we very much welcome this additional investment, which comes at no cost to Derbyshire Dales council tax payers. We will continue to work with the LTA to ensure free park tennis sessions will be available on the courts in the future, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play."
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see these park tennis courts 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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