Four community tennis courts have been officially reopened across Bridgend County Borough as part of a jointly funded £520,000 project which offers improvements to existing facilities while promoting the importance of an active lifestyle to both adults and children.
One of the many aims of the project is to inspire the next generation and pupils from Plasnewydd Primary School were given the chance to try out the new facilities at Maesteg Welfare Park as part of the official launch.
The improvements are part funded by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CAT), UK Government and the Lawn Tennis Association’s Foundation (LTA).
Courts at Maesteg Welfare Park, Caedu Park (Ogmore Vale), Heol-Y-Cyw and Griffin Park (Porthcawl) have all benefited from the project. All works are designed with the future in mind and include improvements such as:
- Resurfacing
- Repainting
- New nets and fencing
- Improved gate systems
As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social competitions.
A household annual pass can be purchased for £39 – a price which translates to families being able play every week for less than 50p per player for a two-person game. A student annual pass costs £19, whilst for those not subscribing to an annual pass, pay and play will be available for £4.50 per hour.
These small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for many years to come. All courts are available to be booked on the LTA Website.
Cllr John Spanswick, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “It’s great to be working with partners such as the LTA and UK Government to fund improved tennis facilities across Bridgend County Borough.
“Our parks play an important part in helping residents to improve and maintain their mental health so it’s particularly pleasing that we can offer brand new facilities to encourage people to get active.
“It’s also good news that the renovations will benefit a number of our local communities as this reiterates the council’s commitment to wellbeing across the county borough as a whole.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, added: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Bridgend officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
