Blackpool Council’s park tennis courts officially reopen after significant improvement works

Tennis courts in four parks across Blackpool have been officially reopened following investment.

Tennis courts in four parks across Blackpool have been officially reopened with tennis enthusiasts and those that just want to have some fun after a collaborative works programme by the LTA and Blackpool Council, which was funded by the government and LTA Tennis Foundation.

Courts in Stanley Park and Anchorsholme which were two of the parks to see benefits from the £217,000 investment, hosted ceremonies last weekend attended by Cllr Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council, Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Leisure along with over 50 members of the general public, LTA and We Do Tennis CIC, the newly appointed parks tennis operator.

The official ceremonies also gave an opportunity for people from the local communities to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain.

Parks that were identified in Blackpool as locations for funding from the Lawn Tennis Association  (LTA) and the government to see physical and operational improvements, as well as an extension of activities on offer, included Stanley Park, Cavendish Road, Claremont Community and Anchorsholme Park.

Blackpool’s courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including a mix of resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and the introduction of gate access systems. This local and 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. 

One of the key goals has been to make the sport accessible for all to enjoy – so It’s free to play at all the parks except for Stanley Park which will cost £5 per court per hour to book, or free with a £60 season ticket (with a £60 annual fee, anyone in the household can play as often as they like subject to court availability). At Stanley Park, the small booking fee funds will be reinvested back into the courts to ensure that they can be maintained over time.

As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host local tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.  

All courts will be 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. The LTA and Blackpool Council, alongside Blackpool’s newly appointed parks tennis operator We Do Tennis CIC will also be working together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play. 

LTA Youth Start, a six week introduction to tennis programme designed for children aged 4-11 years, is launching at Stanley Park on 19 August. As well as six, fun filled coach-led sessions, all children attending the LTA Youth Start course will receive a racket, t-shirt and set of balls to take home and keep, so they can put their new skills to practice long after the course has finished. To book a place, visit www.wdtvenues.co.uk/blackpool-parks  

Councillor Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Leisure said: “The official opening of the tennis courts has been a true working partnership between Active Blackpool, the Lawn Tennis Association and We Do Tennis CIC and we’re really pleased to see local people starting to use the courts and hope that they will continue to be played on throughout the summer weeks, into autumn and beyond.

“There are lots of opportunities to play tennis coming up in Blackpool for both pay and play bookings and coach led sessions.

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, commented: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Blackpool 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, added: "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.
 
"These improved tennis facilities in Blackpool will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."

Andy Moss, Head of Parks, We Do Tennis CIC, said: “We Do Tennis is a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving, growing, and securing the future of tennis at all levels. We are extremely excited to be working with Active Blackpool and the residents of the local area to provide a first-class tennis offering. Improving the facilities is a great first step and our role is to provide tennis coaching in the area and get lots of happy people with a racket in their hand!”