Renovation planned for tennis courts at People’s Park Banbury.
Published: 12 March 2024
- Banbury Town Council and the LTA announce partnership to revitalise the tennis courts in People's Park.
- Funding, totaling £10,000, is sourced from the UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation, with implementation overseen by the LTA as part of its Park Tennis Project.
Banbury Town Council and the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) have today proudly announced a partnership to rejuvenate the tennis courts at People's Park.
Works to deliver this £10,000 investment are scheduled to commence in Spring 2024, during which time the courts will be fully cleaned and repainted, and a new gate access system linked to the online court booking installed. The courts will remain free to play on, with the online booking system making it easier for residents to find, book and get on court with assurance the courts will be available when they get there.
The works in Banbury are part of a £30million nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, that is seeing thousands of tennis courts across Britain being transformed for the benefit of local communities. Over 1,500 courts have been completed through the project so far.
The initiative is pivotal in providing sports opportunities for the residents of Banbury and other parts of Britain, enabling both children and adults to engage in physical activities and thereby contributing to the improvement of their mental and physical well-being.
Banbury Town Council and the LTA will also work together to introduce a variety of activities at People’s Park tennis courts. This includes the organisation of weekly free park tennis sessions, catering to all ages and skill levels, where equipment will be provided—eliminating the need for participants to bring their own gear or playing partner. Additionally, the introduction of Local Tennis Leagues will offer friendly and sociable opportunities for local competition.
Booking a court will be free of charge and can be done through the LTA Play Tennis website, which is a nationwide platform for online court reservations.
While the courts undergo improvement, they will be temporarily closed, after which they will be reopened for public use. Subject to weather, it is anticipated this will take place in late April. Signage will be displayed once works are complete to make the public aware of how the online booking and gate access system works.
The collaborative efforts of Banbury Town Council and the LTA aim to create a vibrant and inclusive space for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
Banbury Town Council is excited about the positive impact this collaboration will have on the local sports scene and looks forward to creating a more accessible and engaging tennis experience for all residents of Banbury.
Councilor Kieron Mallon said: "It's great to see the Government addressing inequalities in sports participation, ensuring inclusivity and a welcoming environment for everyone. The collaboration between Banbury Town Council and the LTA brings renewed vitality to the tennis courts at People’s Park. Our goal is affordable, accessible public sports facilities, providing opportunities for residents to explore activities they love. This aligns with Banbury Town Council's commitment to establishing functional public spaces. Our dedication to making tennis accessible to all residents, regardless of age or experience, is showcased through these upcoming improvements. These enhancements underscore our commitment to elevating our town, prioritising not only infrastructure but also the holistic well-being of our residents. I look forward to seeing these improvements come to life and benefit our town for years to come."
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Banbury Town 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 Banbury Town 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.”
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ABOUT THE LTA:
The LTA is the National Governing Body of tennis for Great Britain. We are here to govern and grow tennis, from grassroots participation through to the professional game. Our vision is “Tennis Opened Up” and we’re on a mission to grow tennis by making it relevant, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable. We work with schools, with volunteers, with coaches and with venues across the whole country. We also represent the interests of over 1,000,000 Members, men and women, girls and boys, playing on more than 23,000 courts. For further information about the LTA and tennis in Britain, visit www.lta.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @the_LTA.