Partnership between Haringey Council, local parks groups and Lawn Tennis Association helps secure upgrades to facilities

Councillor Emily Arkell (centre) with tennis players at Downhills Park (credit Haringey Council)

Tennis courts in five Haringey parks have been renovated.

Haringey Council, local friends groups and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) teamed up to help rejuvenate the courts using £513,000 of funding from the LTA and government.

Emily Arkell, cabinet member for culture and leisure, recently attended the launch of two refurbished full-size courts and a mini court at Downhills Park alongside representatives from Access to Sports, the LTA and Middlesex Tennis.

The other four parks to benefit are Chapmans Green (two full-size courts), Chestnuts Park (two full-size courts), Priory Park (two full-size courts and two mini-courts) and Stationers Park (two full-size courts).

Cllr Arkell said: “It’s great that Haringey residents of all ages and abilities will be able to benefit from these new playing surfaces on tennis courts across our borough.

“Access to well-maintained facilities is fundamentally important to ensuring people stay active through outdoor sports like tennis, with the regular exercise also bolstering their physical health and mental wellbeing.

“I’d like to thank the local friends groups and the LTA for their support in delivering this project in partnership.

“These improved facilities will provide plenty of fun opportunities and maybe the next Jack Draper or Emma Raducanu will hail from Haringey on the back of this investment.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Haringey 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.”

All courts are available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology mean it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.

The LTA, Haringey Council and the borough’s new coaching provider, Access to Sports, will work together to ensure the LTA’s Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts – providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

In addition, the refurbished courts will host local tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social competitions.

The courts are accessed through keypad-enabled gates. Upon booking, players will get an email containing the code that allows access to the court 15 minutes before – and 15 minutes after – their scheduled booking.

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