Sheffield City has gained another tennis park, in a bid to improve the public’s access to sports facilities for all ages and disabilities.
The latest addition is in Hollinsend, after an investment of £125,000 from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Tennis Foundation, Government funding and Sheffield City Council.
There are currently 32 tennis courts across Sheffield, with 9 other newly refurbished courts recently installed, including Ecclesfield Park.
The money donated and a small fee for players to pay will also help to maintain the courts for years to come.
Elliot Brindes, 29, a tennis player, who regularly plays at Weston Park courts said: “It is really good that the council have invested time and money into tennis.
“This is a brilliant sport that can really get people active which can improve people’s mental and physical health and I’m glad that this means almost everyone can access this sport across the city.”
Park tennis courts are crucial for providing children and adults with an accessible place to exercise, providing them with physical and mental health benefits to users.
The importance of the tennis courts being accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users, has also been recognised by the council.
During a cost-of-living crisis, the council have also recognised the need for the parks to be low-cost, allowing a range of people to use them, irrespective of the price.
Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, said: “This is fantastic news for Hollinsend Park. Local, high-quality accessible sports facilities are key to supporting health and well-being and I am delighted that our tennis courts are being made suitable for future tennis stars now and long into the future.”
Sheffield Council will work with the LTA to deliver a range of activities, including free weekly coaching sessions for all different ages, with equipment provided
Courts will be charged £6 per hour for casual users and regular players can also save money by purchasing a Sheffield Parks Tennis Pass.
The project is a nationwide investment by the UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation in a bid to refurbish and build over 2000 courts across the UK.
The LTA has said: “Our vision is “Tennis Opened Up” and we’re on a mission to grow tennis by making it relevant, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable.”