Renfrewshire residents have been picking up a racket to take advantage of newly renovated tennis courts in the area.
Robertson Park and Johnstone Park Road tennis courts officially reopened in July following a £343,000 renovation which took place across three areas, managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by Renfrewshire Council, the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
Since the courts opened to the public more than 1,000 bookings have been made for the upgraded facilities with 1,247 hours of tennis played.
To showcase the courts and encourage young people to take advantage of the facilities on their doorstep, events were held at Robertson Park, Renfrew and Park Road Johnstone tennis courts, where young people from the local area were able to participate in professional tennis coaching sessions. This included 30 pupils from St James’ Primary School in Renfrew and 30 pupils from Cochrane Castle and St David’s Primary Schools. The events were also attended by representatives from Renfrewshire Council, LTA and OneRen.
The renovations were part of the LTA’s Parks Tennis Project; the biggest ever transformation of park facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 14 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and a new gate system. 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.
Photo: (Left to Right) Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, LTA accredited coach Luke Quigley and Cllr Michelle Campbell
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council / Martin Shields
Renfrewshire Council in partnership with OneRen and supported by the LTA will ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said:
“It’s fantastic to see local people across our communities take advantage of these excellent facilities on their doorstep. It’s been especially heartening to see the young people participating in today’s event get excited by the sport and I’m sure it will inspire many of them to come back and use the courts again.
“I hope the investment in the courts encourages more people to take up the sport and the fact that free tennis will be available as part of the programme will surely support this. I’d encourage anyone interested in giving it a go to pick up a racket, book a court and get involved.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Renfrewshire officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “With tennis participation and membership in Scotland at record levels, it’s important that we continue to invest in facilities to grow capacity.
“Park facilities are key to ensuring tennis is accessible to all, so we are delighted that these park courts in Renfrewshire Council have opened following refurbishment.
“The appetite for tennis in Scotland has never been higher and these revamped courts, along with a number of other facilities being built and refurbished around the country, will help make sure more people are able to get access and play tennis across Scotland.”
Free court usage will be available on weekends from 10am-12pm and weekdays from 9am-4pm. Courts are chargeable from 4pm weekdays and 1pm weekends at £6.50 per hour.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website or by visiting www.oneren.org/sport/tennis . New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.