King George V Playing Fields tennis courts reopen after extensive renovation
· King George V Playing Fields officially reopened after renovations managed by the LTA and Castle Point Borough Council, with support from the LTA Tennis Foundation.
· The park courts have been refurbished as part of the biggest ever transformation of parks tennis facilities across Britain
· The courts will provide opportunities for many more people to pick up a racket and get on court.
King George V Playing Fields have officially reopened as part of a £85,000 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the council, supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation.
Tennis courts in Canvey Island were recently reopened at an event attended by The Mayor and representatives from Yellow Door, Hadleigh Tennis Club, Essex Tennis Association and The Lawn Tennis Association.
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 seven courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and gate access systems. 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.
All courts are now 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. Small court fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA, Castle Point Borough Council, Yellow Door and Hadleigh Tennis Club are already working together to offer Barclays Free Park tennis sessions each week, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Barry Campagna said:
“The reopening of the King George V Playing Fields marks a proud moment for our community.
“Thanks to our work with the LTA, we now have first-class facilities that can be enjoyed for years to come.”
Cllr Mike Fuller, Portfolio Holder for Environment said:
“This investment is a wonderful opportunity for strengthening our community and encouraging our residents to enjoy playing sports locally.
“We’re proud of the huge amount of work that has gone into making these tennis courts a place for everyone to use.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:
“ We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Canvey Islandofficially 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.”