Tennis opening event

Families were able to take a swing at tennis on the newly refurbished courts in Sittingbourne at an opening event.

Milton Recreation Ground has officially reopened as part of a £125,000 renovation taking place across Swale, managed and supported by the LTA, and part-funded by the council.

The Mayor of Swale Cllr Ben J Martin, who attended the event with representatives from the LTA, began the family fun day by cutting the ribbon with a quick swipe of a tennis racket.

People from the local community were able to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of free tennis events, such as family open play and training sessions.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform seven courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.

The courts at Milton Recreation Ground and King George’s Playing Field, Sittingbourne have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new nets and gate systems.

This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

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.

All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.

A £40 annual household season ticket is available to all residents to access both sites, this will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.

The LTA, Sittingbourne Tennis Club and Swale Borough Council will work together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

Richard Palmer, chair of the community and leisure committee, said: 

“Our tennis family fun day was an amazing success; it was great to see so many young faces giving the sport a try on our newly refurbished courts.

“This funding and partnership with the LTA has enabled us to transform unplayable courts into something our community can truly be proud of and use to its fullest.  

“These tennis courts give our residents the opportunity to get active and socialise, which are proven ways to improve people’s wellbeing.  

“The money gathered through the new booking system will go directly into the maintenance of the courts to keep them at this new high standard for years to come.

“We will also be organising free tennis sessions so anyone can pick up a racket and give the sport a try, without needing equipment or any experience!”

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:

“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Swale 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.”

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