Tennis courts in Matlock's Hall Leys Park will officially be reopened this week after a £46,000 renovation, managed by the LTA and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation in partnership with Derbyshire Dales District Council.
The two courts - selected for special attention by the LTA - are to host an opening ceremony at 12 noon this Wednesday, 27 September, preceded from 9am by an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket as part of a rusty rackets recreational tournament.
The fun tournament, which everyone is welcome to go along and take part in, will be followed by the ribbon cutting y Derbyshire Dales Civic Chair Councillor David Burton to officially open the courts.
From 1pm on Wednesday the new courts can be used for free for the rest of the day when booked online.
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 the Matlock courts, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities in the town.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, new vibrant court painting, repairs to fencing, new nets and posts, and a new gate system linked to online booking.
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.
The tennis courts are 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. Courts can be booked for £5 per hour - the small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.
Anyone interested in supporting Free Park Tennis as a tennis activator should contact
Chairman of the District Council’s Community & Environment Committee, Councillor Martin Burfoot said:
"The refurbished courts look great and we very much welcome this investment, which comes at no cost to Derbyshire Dales council tax-payers. We are now working with the LTA to ensure free park tennis sessions will be available on the courts in the future, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play."
Free Park Tennis sessions are free, social tennis-based sessions taking place in local parks at weekends for beginners and families.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:
“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Matlock 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.
"These improved tennis facilities in Matlock will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."
