Refurbished courts are a hit with tennis fans

With Wimbledon only weeks away the refurbished tennis courts in Grantham’s Wyndham Park are proving a hit with fans of the game.

Better weather in recent weeks has seen a big increase in the use of the courts that recently underwent a £61,326 renovation as part of the national Parks Tennis Project.

Renovation of the two Wyndham park courts was managed by the Lawn Tennis Association and funded by the Government, the LTA Tennis Foundation and South Kesteven District Council.

Two hours of free play is available to be booked every day and Grantham Tennis Club is providing free Park Tennis sessions every weekend that are open to people of all abilities. They are led by local volunteer activators, with equipment provided.

The courts can also be booked for £7 per court per hour, which goes towards the cost of maintaining the courts.

The courts are owned by SKDC and leased by the tennis club.

Cllr Paul Stokes, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This project is a superb example of what can be achieved through partnership working and it’s great to see the courts being so well-used by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

“They will certainly help us achieve one of the ambitions outlined in our Corporate Plan – encouraging sport and physical activity to support healthy lifestyles and reduce health inequalities.”

Courts and sessions are available to book via the LTA website at https://www.lta.org.uk/play

Signs are displayed at the courts with instructions on how to book. Users receive a unique pin code to provide access at their booking time. Anyone unable to book online can either do so in person or by phone at the tennis club’s Gonerby Hill Foot clubhouse.

Sarah Patton, Grantham Tennis Club manager, said: “Now the sun is finally out we are starting to fill all the available slots with players from all age groups. The courts are fantastic and anyone can book free sessions.

“The club is a charitable organisation and does not make a profit out of the operation of these courts. Income from the paid-for slots goes towards ensuring the courts are maintained for generations to come.”

The work at Wyndham Park has included new fencing, resurfacing and new court colours, nets and the gate system that helps with safe and secure access.

Tom Mapp, delivery manager with the LTA, said: “Park tennis courts are vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racquet and get active.

“Playing tennis in the park is fun, accessible, and provides significant mental and physical health and wellbeing benefits.”