Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register to book a court?
Yes. In order to book a court you need to be registered on the LTA website. Please go to ClubSpark / Home (lta.org.uk) to register your details.
How many courts are there?
There are 17 courts in 7 parks across the city.
Hetton Park – 4 courts
Barley Mow Park – 2 courts
Usworth Park – 3 courts
Ryhope Park – 2 courts
Thompson Park – 2 courts
Roker Park – 2 courts
Barnes Park – 2 courts
What is the cost per court?
There are both paid and free options at each park across the week, so you should always be able to find a free session to suit.
When the court requires payment it will be £3 for a 1 hour session.
How do I book a court?
First of all you must make sure you are registered on the website - ClubSpark / Home (lta.org.uk).
Once you have registered then visit Sunderland Parks Tennis / Home (lta.org.uk) and you can select your preferred venue.
Once you have selected your preferred venue you can then make a booking for your choice of day and time.
Once you have chosen your day and time, you will be directed to pay for your session (or not if it’s a free session). After paying, your booking will be confirmed and your access code for the gate will be generated.
How do I access the courts?
Once you have made your booking you will be given an access code for the court gate. This code will also be emailed to you so please keep a note of it when attending your booking.
On arrival at the site all you need to do is key in your access code and the gate will open and close behind you. When you enter your code into the keypad, remember to enter a * in front of your pin number.
When you leave after your session please make sure you close the gate properly.
How do I know what court I will use?
On the booking system it states the court number. Please make a note of the court you have booked. Once you arrive at your chosen venue there will be signs on each court to tell you what number it is.
How do I access the courts when they are free?
Even when the sessions are free you still need to book and you will still be issued with an access code for the gate.
What if I don’t have any equipment?
If you would like to play tennis on the courts but don’t have your own racquet t or tennis balls then you can purchase a starter kit from the following locations for just £10:
Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre
Hetton Swimming Pool
Raich Carter Sports Centre
Washington Leisure Centre
Are there toilets and changing provision?
Only Barnes Park and Roker Park have toilets.
Can I block book courts?
To allow the maximum number of people to enjoy playing tennis on the new courts you can only book sessions up to 1 week in advance. You can also only book 2 sessions at once.
If you are from a community club or organisation and are interested in using the courts on a regular basis then email active@sunderland.gov.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
How long does a session last?
Each session, paid and free, is 1 hour.
What happens if I can no longer make my session?
If you can no longer make your booked session, then please go online and cancel your booking. There is a link in your confirmation email which allows you to ‘manage my booking’.
If your session has been paid for and you fail to cancel more than 24 hours in advance then you will be unable to get a refund.
How far in advance can I book my court?
You can book your court 1 week in advance.
Can I bring my dog on the court with me?
Dogs are not permitted on the tennis courts apart from assistance dogs. If you have any questions, please email active@sunderland.gov.uk