£500K invested into borough’s tennis courts as ‘small charge’ to be introduced to play

Half a million pounds is being invested to refurbish a borough’s public tennis courts.

Croydon council has announced a new partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) that will see 32 council-owned tennis courts across 14 sites refurbished. 

Refurbishment will begin this month to courts in Addiscombe Recreation Ground, Ashburton Park, Biggin Woods, Coulsdon Memorial Ground, Grangewood Park, Park Hill Recreation Ground, Purley Beeches, Rickman Hill Recreation Ground, Shirley Church Recreation Ground, South Norwood Lake and Grounds, South Norwood Recreation Ground, Trumble Gardens, Upper Norwood Recreation Ground and Wandle Park.

Addiscombe Recreation Ground, Ashburton Park and Biggin Woods will remain open during repairs so residents can continue to have access to other facilities.

The council is also working with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which operates council leisure facilities in Croydon, to ensure free tennis sessions with equipment are still available each week.

Repairs include a new gate-access system to all courts to keep them secure and deter antisocial behaviour.

After the courts are refurbished, the council said it will be “introducing a small charge” to be reinvested into the maintenance of the courts. Players will also be able to book sessions in advance.

Most of the cost will be met by the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and delivered by the LTA as part of its Park Tennis Project, with Croydon council investing £54,300 after bidding for capital funding.

The project is part of a nationwide investment by the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation that has refurbished more than 1,500 courts so far.

Croydon’s Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, said: “Tennis is a great way to enjoy sport and get some exercise while spending time with friends or family – a double boost for our health and well-being. 

“I hope upgrading the courts will encourage more people to pick up a racket and enjoy a game. Look out for the changes to courts near you.”

A spokesman from the council said: “To register with GLL to get involved in the community coaching programme, please email: croydonparks@GLL.ORG.”

(Picture: Croydon council)