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West Byfleet Recreation Ground tennis courts have reopened, following £117,000 investment by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding collected by Woking Borough Council.
Over the past few months, the courts have undergone extensive transformation works including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets, and a gate system, helping ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community.
Through its Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has helped transformed these two courts providing a significant boost to local sporting facilities.
Investment of over £56,000 from the LTA Tennis Foundation was matched with £61,000 from West Byfleet’s share of neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, following a successful application supported by the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum.
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that these tennis courts are now open and ready for local residents to enjoy. It is important as a community to have these facilities, to give everyone the opportunity to be active and healthy.
“I welcome the significant LTA investment in these facilities and the use of local CIL monies to deliver these improvements, and the fact works was completed in time for the last couple of weeks of the school summer holidays.
“So, if you’ve been inspired by the Olympics and Wimbledon, now’s the time to dust off your tennis racket, ask for new balls and book yourself a court!”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, added: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts at West Byfleet Recreation Ground back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
The new booking system and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability, as all courts and sessions can be booked online.
In addition, local residents can help others in their community learn to play tennis by becoming a Barclays Free Park tennis activator who help plan and lead fun activities on court so more people can enjoy tennis.
As well as 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 local competitions.
To celebrate the reopening of the renovated tennis courts, a free event will be held on Sunday 15 September at West Byfleet Recreation Ground tennis courts.