Tennis Courts At Cantley Park Officially Opened
Tennis Courts At Cantley Park
Last weekend (May 13 and 14) Wokingham Borough Council’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Rob Stanton officially opened the new tennis courts at Cantley Park in Wokingham.
The borough council has been working in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to significantly improve the current nine outdoor court tennis facilities, with the addition of three new courts.
Modern floodlights, that avoid light pollution, have also been installed in six courts and a new clubhouse built, thanks to funding by the borough council and LTA*. To provide easy access and affordable tennis for the community, an online court booking system has also been introduced.
Tennis Company – GDT
A tennis company (GDT) will manage the tennis court facilities, deliver an exciting and varied programme of tennis activities for all ages and abilities, drive the sale of the pay and play activities as well as increase membership sales all year round. The cost of a family membership will be £65 per year – for all family members to play (excludes cost of flood lighting). Further information is available at: www.cantleyparktennis.co.uk
As part of the official opening, free tennis coaching sessions, family time and free play was available, all part of the Great British Tennis Weekend (GBTW). The GBTW is organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and is a nationwide campaign to drive more people to play tennis by offering free opportunities to play. More than 400 people took part throughout the weekend and 30 families have signed up to the membership scheme.
Bev Thompson, Wokingham Borough Council’s sport and leisure manager, said: “We’re delighted to officially open the improved tennis facilities at Cantley. Tennis is a fantastic sport and is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to stay fit and healthy.
“The GBTW was a huge success and gave hundreds of residents, young and old, the opportunity to take part and have fun. We hope many more will be able to join us in July.”
Another GBTW is taking place on July 22 and 23 at Cantley Park. Details about the weekend and the opportunity to book a place will be available shortly at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/OpenDays
Leo Tutt, LTA community business manager, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council on this fantastic community tennis project. The enhanced facilities provide new low cost, year-round tennis playing opportunities for the whole community, encouraging more people of all ages to take up our sport. It was fantastic to see hundreds of new participants giving tennis a go over the weekend and hopefully they will continue to play and enjoy our great sport for many years to come!”
How To Join
In a bid to encourage more people to play tennis, the LTA has also organised a Wokingham-based adult’s tennis singles league. It is suitable for adults of all ages and abilities and costs £18 to join online at: www.localtennisleagues.com/wokingham. Entries close on Monday May 22.
