Published: Thursday 25th January 2024 | 4.24pm
Cannock Chase Council has announced the reopening of its tennis courts following refurbishment.
A total of 13 courts across Cannock Park, Hednesford Park, Ravenhill Park and Heath Hayes Park have undergone various improvements to ensure tennis courts are of a high quality for local players. The introduction of an electric gate access system means that players can now find and book a court with assurance it will be available when they arrive to play.
The renovation work has been managed by the LTA with funding from the Government, LTA Tennis Foundation and Cannock Chase Council. The LTA provided £208,386 and the Council contributed a further £7,000 from the receipts of Section 106 schemes.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, with £30 million going towards transforming park tennis courts across Great Britain in a significant boost to sporting facilities. Over 1,500 courts have been completed through the project so far.
To encourage residents of all ages to take up and enjoy tennis, Cheslyn Hay and Cannock Chase Community Tennis Club will continue to provide free use of the courts and tennis equipment at Cannock and Hednesford parks during the sessions they run, funded by Tennis for Free, with this particular scheme being considered for rolling out at Ravenhill and Heath Hayes parks during 2024.
All courts will be available to book at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/CannockChaseParksTennis
The new booking systems and gate access technology means it will now be easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.
Councillor John Preece, Parks, Culture, and Heritage Portfolio Leader at Cannock Chase Council said: “In working with the LTA to access the funding we have created a business plan to ensure the courts are maintained into the future by creating a fund that would cover future repairs and maintenance.
“We are conscious of current cost pressures and so have agreed that the fee to hire the courts will be £7 per hour, the same fee that was charged in 2007, while annual passes will be available at £52 a year or £1 a week.
“In addition, we have taken heed of the wishes of councillors to add tennis court hire to the list of concessions offered by our leisure partner, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles. This will reduce the cost to those who receive a concession to participate in leisure activities.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Cannock Chase district officially 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.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: "We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
"The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in four Cannock Chase district parks.
"These improved tennis facilities will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."
Photograph:
(From L to R) Aaron Burgess, Parks Team Leader, Tom Walsh, Parks and Open Spaces Manager, Councillor John Preece, Parks, Culture, and Heritage Portfolio Leader, Anna Hart, LTA Parks Investment Delivery Partner, and Paul Lord and Chris Perrin from Cheslyn Hay and Cannock Chase Community Tennis Club.