Seventeen tennis courts have officially reopened as part of a £403k renovation taking place across the borough’s parks, funded by the UK Government, supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation and Barking and Dagenham Council.

Tennis courts in Central Park, which is among 5 parks in the area (along with Barking Park, St Chad’s Park, Greatfields Park and Old Dagenham Park) to have benefited from this investment, were recently reopened at an event attended by Deputy Leader Councillor Saima Ashraf, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Climate Change Councillor Kashif Haroon, along with representatives from the LTA, Essex Tennis and National Tennis Association (NTA - the Council’s appointed Tennis Provider). There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis 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 17 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities in Barking and Dagenham. 

The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and posts and new 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. The introduction of court hire fees and a season ticket will support a sinking fund which will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA, NTA, and 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. 

Councillor Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement said:

“The renovation of the borough’s tennis courts will give children and adults alike the chance to learn a new sport, develop their tennis skills, and be active right on their doorstep.

“Thanks to the funding support from the Government, supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation, and the council, residents now have access to 17 high quality tennis courts.

“We are confident that the partnership with NTA will result in higher levels of tennis participation, and help our residents live healthier and happier lives.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:

“We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Barking and Dagenham 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.” 

The courts are open to use all week round and can be booked on the LTA website.