In partnership with the LTA, the Council has upgraded five outdoor tennis courts in Woking Park, which are available to book now.

Key features of the upgrade include safe and secure fencing, a key code entry system, wheelchair access and an all-weather, high-quality playing surface (macadam).

There’s also a new online booking system that makes it easy to ‘pay and play’ (a one-hour session costs £7), or for unbeatable value, a household membership costs £35 per year giving families up to six hours of play a week.

Cllr Colin Kemp, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Cultural Services, said: “Demand for tennis in Woking is on the rise so the Council has teamed up with the LTA and a host of other partners to develop the borough’s offer. Because of the trend for outdoor fitness, we decided to focus on the facilities in Woking Park initially and I’m delighted that all five courts are available to play on in time for spring and the Easter holidays.

“Tennis is often perceived as an elite sport so in order to increase participation, and to improve our health and wellbeing, it’s important that everyone in the borough has the opportunity to access good quality tennis facilities. We’re also really pleased to be working with Woking Park Tennis, in association with Woking Lawn Tennis Club (WLTC), to provide professional coaching and range of affordable courses to suit all ages and abilities.”

Available to book now, Woking Park Tennis will be running a number of tennis camps for 4 to 14 year olds on the refurbished courts during the Easter Holidays. Those aged 4 to 11 can also enjoy six-weeks of follow-on coaching in the park for just £30 as part of the LTA ‘Tennis for Kids’ programme, which starts on 29 April and includes a free tennis racket.

Max McGibbon, Woking Park Tennis and WLTC coach, said: “We’ve delivered a number of coaching sessions on the refurbished courts already and the reaction to the upgrade has been really positive. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, tennis is great for your physical and mental health. Being able to play outdoors, in a setting like Woking Park, adds to that sense of wellbeing.

“Tennis coaching for the upcoming Specsavers Surrey Youth Games will also take place on these courts, which is another great opportunity for kids to try tennis this summer, for free.”

Further service improvements still to come include the provision of wheelchair accessible tennis and coaching, which will be launched later in the year, and the addition of mini tennis markings on courts 1 and 2 when the surface colouring is applied in the drier weather.

Matt Trevail, Director of Tennis at WLTC said: "As an LTA Local Player Development Centre we've been working with the Council, the LTA and Active Surrey for over five years to drive participation locally. These refurbished courts will really open up tennis in Woking for all to enjoy and it’s great that they’re available for the start of the 2020 tennis season.”