Tennis courts reopen following major upgrade
Released: Tuesday, 06 February 2024
Tennis facilities in Tarring and Shoreham have been given a new lease of life as part of a joint project between Adur & Worthing Councils and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
The popular tennis courts at Church House Grounds in Church Road and Buckingham Park have officially reopened following their transformation and are ready to host players of all ages and abilities.
The courts have benefitted from a complete resurfacing, new nets and gate-access technology which makes it easier for players to find, book and get on court.
Temporary lines have been painted on the courts, which will close for a short time in late spring for a full repainting when the weather conditions allow.
The refurbishment project is thanks to a £253,000 joint investment between the councils, the government and the LTA Tennis Foundation, which contributed £98,000 of the total funding.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering a £30 million investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform six courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
To welcome new players to the revamped facilities, the councils will work with local clubs, coaches and the LTA to deliver a mix of free and low cost activities designed to encourage residents to pick up a racket and enjoy the courts.
This includes the LTA's Free Park Tennis, which are free, social tennis sessions, on weekend mornings at 10am delivered by local volunteers which are open to players of all ages, playing levels and experience. Equipment is provided at these sessions.
The new courts will also host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
A free community slot running from 9am to 11am on weekdays will be bookable at both the Church House Grounds and Buckingham Park courts, as well as Homefield Park in Worthing.
Outside these hours the courts will be available to book via the LTA Play Tennis website for £8.50 per hour for casual players. Those looking to play more regularly can purchase a household annual pass for £57, meaning households that enjoy the courts on average once a week can do so for less than £1.25 per court per hour.
Funds raised will go towards ensuring the courts are maintained to a high standard for many years to come.
Cllr Emma Evans, Adur's cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said:
“The tennis facilities at Buckingham Park have always been well used, so it's brilliant that the courts have revived following the renovation works.
“On behalf of the community, I would like to thank the LTA Tennis Foundation for its large input towards the works. I can't wait to see the courts in the summer once they have received their final coat of paint.”
Cllr Rita Garner, Worthing's cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:
“It's fantastic that the all-new tennis facilities at Church House Grounds are now bookable and ready for action.
“It's vital that our communities have sporting opportunities available to them to not only to enjoy the physical and mental benefits, but potentially release a hidden talent or passion for a game they may not have played before.
“I'd like to thank the LTA Tennis Foundation for its contribution to this project.”
To book a court at Church House Grounds or Buckingham Park, please see:
Photo: The tennis courts at Church House Grounds, Tarring
Photo: The tennis courts at Buckingham Park, Shoreham
(PR24-019)
Page last updated: 16 April 2024