Tennis players in Ealing are set to benefit from a major investment in public tennis playing facilities across the borough as the council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) invest in and refurbish seven tennis courts which will be completed by the summer.
The venues being renovated are: Churchfield Recreation Ground in Hanwell, Elthorne Park in Hanwell, Ravenor Park in Greenford, Southfields Recreation Ground in Chiswick, Spikes Bridge Park in Southall and Wolf Fields in Southall.
The £323,772 project (£253,772 coming with the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and £70,000 by Ealing Council) is part of a nationwide investment by the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation to improve public tennis courts nationwide and get more people playing the game.
Currently playing tennis in the council tennis courts is free and there will also be a range of new services added including weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages and all levels where equipment will also be provided.
The council says Local Tennis Leagues “will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition”.
North Acton Playing Fields won’t be refurbished, but will also be available to play at.
Ealing residents can book to play on any of the Ealing courts via the LTA website.
Councillor Jasbir Anand, Ealing Council cabinet member for thriving communities said: “I am very pleased that we are working with the LTA to deliver much needed improved tennis facilities and a range of organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience with equipment provided, that everyone can access. The work to improve our tennis offer is happening now, and is due to be complete with tennis sessions available by the summer – game set and match!”
Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA said:
“We are delighted to be working with Ealing Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Ealing Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”