Oldham’s cherished local park tennis courts primed for an impressive makeover
Oldham Council and the LTA have joined forces to revitalize and renovate the public park tennis courts throughout Oldham. This exciting partnership will bring in a total investment of £240,908, ensuring that the local community has access to top-quality facilities. This project is part of a nationwide initiative by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation to enhance public tennis courts across the country and make the sport more accessible to everyone.
The investment will not only refurbish existing park tennis courts but also improve their accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems. This is crucial in providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get active and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of playing tennis. It will particularly benefit those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls, who may have limited access to such facilities.
In addition to the funding from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, Oldham Council will also invest £11,136 into this project. Alongside the renovation works, the council will collaborate with the LTA to organize free park tennis sessions for all ages and skill levels. Equipment will be provided, so participants won’t need a partner or their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also offer friendly and sociable opportunities for friendly competition.
The park venues that will undergo renovation are Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall Park, Dunwood Park, Higher Crompton Park, Lower Memorial Park, and Werneth Park. All courts and sessions at these sites will be bookable online through the LTA website.
The renovation work is scheduled to begin in February and expected to be completed by Spring. Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, expressed his excitement about the funding, which will breathe new life into the facilities and attract even more visitors to the parks. Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, also expressed delight in collaborating with Oldham Council to improve the park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for people to get active.
