South Oxhey tennis courts reopen following £50k revamp
Residents can now work on their serves at the newly refurbished tennis courts in South Oxhey following a £50k renovation.
The two courts at the Playing Fields, near the newly opened dog enrichment area and multi-use games area (MUGA), have recently been reopened by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) and can now be used by the local community.
The courts, which will be managed by TRDC, have seen extensive work to ensure viability for the years to come, including resurfacing, painting and new fencing, nets, posts and gate system.
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 local competitions.
Recently, the council and its contractor finished revamping the skate park, existing pathways and MUGA as well as creating the district’s first council-owned dog enrichment area at the Playing Fields.
The £50,000 renovation, delivered by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) - the governing body of tennis in Great Britain - in partnership with Three Rivers, was funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation through the Parks Tennis Project, which aims to revitalise thousands of tennis courts in order to encourage more people to pick up the sport and get active.
Charlotte Gomes, the council’s Landscapes and Leisure Development Manager, said: “I am delighted to see these two tennis courts be refurbished for residents to enjoy.
“It’s important that the district has the facilities to provide residents the opportunity to live healthy, active lifestyles as well as provide varying sporting fields and courts that residents can easily access and use to play the sport they love so much. I am grateful to the LTA for helping bring back some life to the tennis courts in South Oxhey.”
The renovations at South Oxhey follow the significant investment from Three Rivers District Council in the new courts at Denham Way in Maple Cross, which the Parks Tennis Project boosted with funding for the new smart gate.
All courts will be 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 and the council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Three Rivers 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.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: "We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
"The government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Three Rivers District Council.
"These improved tennis facilities in South Oxhey will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."