Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Emily Arkell, was in attendance alongside Access to Sports, LTA and Middlesex Tennis representatives at the official launch of the refurbished playing surfaces on two full-size courts and a mini court at Downhills Park.
The other four parks to benefit from this £500k project are Chapmans Green (Two full-size courts), Chestnuts Park (Two full-size courts), Priory Park (Two full-size courts and two mini-courts) and Stationers Park (Two full-size courts).
Cllr Arkell commented:
It’s great that Haringey residents of all ages and abilities will be able to benefit from these new playing surfaces on tennis courts across our borough.
Access to well-maintained facilities is fundamentally important to ensuring people stay active through outdoor sports like tennis, with the regular exercise also bolstering their physical health and mental wellbeing.
I’d like to thank the local Friends groups and the LTA for their support in delivering this project in partnership.
These improved facilities will provide plenty of fun opportunities and maybe the next Jack Draper or Emma Raducanu will hail from Haringey on the back of this investment.
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:
We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Haringey 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.
Part of a £513,362 renovation taking place across Haringey, the official relaunch of the courts at Downhills Park was funded the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation’s Park Tennis Project and Haringey Council, and delivered by the LTA.
All courts are available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology mean it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.
The LTA, Haringey Council and the borough’s new coaching provider, Access to Sports, will work together to ensure the LTA’s Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts – providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
As well as the LTA’s weekly Barclays Free Park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the refurbished courts will host local tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social competitions.
The courts are accessed through keypad-enabled gates. Upon booking, players will get an email containing the code that allows access to the court 15 minutes before – and 15 minutes after – your scheduled booking.
