OAKHILL PARK TENNIS COURTS REOPEN AFTER RENOVATION
Oakhill Park’s tennis courts have reopened after a £48,000 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
The courts at Oakhill Park have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing works, improvements to the existing fencing and a new gate system.
The refurbishment is part of the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, in which thousands of park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition are being brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
The courts at Oakhill Park 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. Tennis Courts at Lowerfold Park and Peel Park can also be booked, these are free of charge.
The LTA and Hyndburn Council are working together to launch, in the near future, a range of affordable coach-led sessions at Oakhill Park, as well as weekly free park tennis sessions, ensuring there are regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play. All sessions will be available to book online via the LTA website.
Councillor Steven Smithson deputy leader of Hyndburn Council and the Portfolio holder for parks and green spaces said:
“I am delighted that Hyndburn Borough Council has received funding from the Lawn Tennis Association to improve the tennis courts at Oak Hill Park in Accrington. The improvements provide 3 top quality tarmac surfaced courts, which are now available for booking. The small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained to this high standard for years to come and the council is committed to improving facilities in parks and green spaces across Hyndburn.”
Councillor Marlene Haworth, Leader of Hyndburn Council, said:
“Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants.
“Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to people from all backgrounds. We are working closely with the Lawn Tennis Association and local tennis clubs to develop a range of coaching and free park tennis opportunities alongside the new booking in advance to guarantee availability feature.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:
“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see the tennis courts at Oakhill Park officially back 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.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said:
“We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
“The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Hyndburn.
“These improved tennis facilities will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”