Tennis courts revitalized after major renovations
Sun 29 Sep 2024
A total of 14 courts across seven local parks—Churchfield Recreation Ground, Elthorne Park, Ravenor Park, Southfields Recreation Ground, Spikes Bridge Park, and Wolf Fields—have been revamped.
The renovation included;
- resurfacing and repainting of the courts
- new nets and posts
- upgrades and installation of the gate entry system
The LTA funding of £253,772 was supplemented by an additional £70,000 from Ealing Council.
This contribution is part of a broader £30 million initiative funded by the UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation. Delivered by the LTA, this nationwide project is revitalizing thousands of park tennis courts across the UK, restoring them for the benefit of local communities.
Additionally, North Acton Playing Fields now features a coded gate to ensure secure access for those who book the courts.
Affordable Access
To help maintain the courts, a modest charge of £4–6 per hour will be introduced from Monday, 30 September 2024.
This fee is lower than the London average, ensuring affordability compared to other boroughs. In partnership with the LTA, the council will also offer free weekly tennis sessions for players of all abilities, run by community volunteers. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can find more information on the LTA website.
Making a Difference
The strategies reflect the input of over 6,000 residents who participated in the consultation process. The jobs and skills strategy was also shaped by the council’s new jobs and skills forum, which includes over 25 representatives from educational institutions, training providers, businesses, and public sector partners.
Vision for the Future
Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities, commented on the improvements:
"All tennis players, whether novices or pros will see a real difference when playing on the new courts – the resurfacing in particular is key to being able to play safely and confidently."
"High quality accessible sports facilities are essential for physical and mental health and we’re supporting residents across the borough to take part in more physical activities."
Councillor Hashani also emphasized that the introduction of the small charge will help ensure the courts remain in top condition for years to come.
"By introducing the new charge, we will maintain upkeep of the courts for people to enjoy for many years to come. We have worked closely with the LTA to bring in free sessions so that more people who haven’t tried tennis before or who want to brush up their skills will join in."
All courts and sessions can be booked online through the LTA website.
The reality
Tennis has recently become more accessible to Southall residents, thanks to the transformation of courts in Southall Park, Spikes Bridge Park, and Wolf Fields Park.
"Southall Recreation Ground was left off the list despite badly damaged MUGAs, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and two worn out wickets. The council hasn't bothered to cut the grass for cricket."
"It is a shame that Ealing Council has failed to maintain the facilities. A young girl was playing tennis with her dad yesterday on a gravelly surface with no net and line markings, which was once a tennis court."
"The LTA and Ealing Council ensure that tennis will continue to be a sport for the preserve of the middle class. Southall Recreation Ground used to have a tennis court and kids still turn up with rackets to make use of the space with broken up tarmac, no net and no line markings."
"The wickets, MUGA and tennis court in Southall Recreation Ground are in need of refurbishment. We are told that our health isn't good by the council's public health team but there is a failure to replace the sticking plaster approach to health in the most disadvantaged ward."
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