Welland Park tennis courts in Harborough reopen following refurbishment
Welland Park tennis courts in Market Harborough have been refurbished and are now ready for the public.
The funding of £81,717.44, provided by UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, has helped with resurfacing works, alongside upgrades to gate access and infrastructure.
These all help to "ensure the courts remain free to use for general public sessions, playable and well maintained for years to come," said a spokesperson for Harborough District Council (HDC).
The courts will be officially launched at a community launch and Barclays Big Tennis Weekend event on Sunday, June 21, from 10am to 1pm, giving residents the opportunity to take part in ‘have a go’ sessions, enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony, and watch a potential exhibition rally featuring high-level players.
As part of the ongoing offer, a programme of Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions will take place at Harborough’s Welland Park on the following dates:
- Saturday, July 25 (10am–11am)
- Saturday, August 29 (10am–11am)
- Saturday, September 26 (10am–11am).
The spokesperson for HDC added: "These free sessions are designed to remove barriers to participation, with equipment provided, and offer accessible opportunities for residents to get active, learn new skills and enjoy tennis in a friendly environment. They will be supported by trained volunteer activators.
"The refurbished courts will support a broader programme of activity, including community coaching sessions, social tennis, opportunities to engage with local clubs and local tennis leagues, which will give people the chance to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
"All courts will soon be available to book via the LTA website, with new booking systems and gate access technology making it easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability, still ensuring that sessions for the general public remain free."
Steve Taylor, health and wellbeing manager at Harborough District Council, said: “We are delighted to see the reopening of the tennis courts at Welland Park. This investment supports our commitment to improving health and wellbeing across Harborough District, providing accessible opportunities for residents to get active and enjoy sport in their local community.
“The launch event and free tennis sessions will help ensure people of all ages and abilities can take part, and we look forward to seeing the courts well used throughout the year.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Welland Park, Market Harborough officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
The £81,717.44 grant-funded refurbishment of the courts has been delivered through partnership working between Harborough District Council and funding provided by UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation. The improvements form part of an LTA national programme to transform park tennis courts and increase opportunities for community sport.