Dover District Council (DDC) and the LTA have renovated four tennis courts at Marke Wood Recreation Ground in Walmer, as part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, that will bring thousands of existing park tennis courts back to life for the benefit of communities across the country.
Trevor May Contractors Ltd were awarded the works contract to completely refurbish the courts with new coloured surfacing, nets and court markings which will very soon be complete. The project was fully funded by the £71,000 grant given.
An access-controlled entry gate with an online booking system (now standard at many other tennis courts) will ensure residents and groups can reserve their slots online before they turn up to play. This will benefit players at peak times, maximise court use and help to keep the ongoing maintenance of the courts to a high standard.
The Marke Wood Tennis Hub, a community interest company specially formed who will be responsible for future operation and maintenance of the renovated tennis courts, will work closely with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to ensure a range of activities are in place for the local community. This will include an organised, free weekly park tennis session for all ages, playing levels and experiences with equipment provided.
A public launch event is planned for Sunday 21 May where various taster sessions organised by the tennis hub will be made available including prizes to be won; there will also be an opportunity to sign up for a family season ticket at a discounted rate. More details can be found at www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/MarkeWoodTennisHub. Following this event, the courts will be officially open and available to be booked online at www.lta.org.uk/play
Roger Walton, DDC’s Strategic Director for Place and Environment, said: “The refurbishment of Marke Wood tennis courts offers the perfect opportunity for our local residents of all ages to get active outside and improve their health while having fun. This much welcomed investment supports the Government and LTA’s commitment to levelling up sports provision across the nation, and Walmer is fortunate to be one of the first to receive this funding.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Dover District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Dover District Council and the Marke Wood Tennis Hub to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”