Shephalbury Park tennis courts official reopening after refurbishment

Shephalbury Park tennis courts in Stevenage officially reopened after renovations managed through the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and funded by UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.

Part of the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, with millions going towards transforming over 2000 courts.

The event attended by 120 local residents at Shephalbury Park officially opened the courts.

The tennis courts in Shephalbury Park, which are among those to have benefited from this investment, hosted the open day on Sunday 21 May, attended by the Deputy Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Myla Arceno; Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Henry; Leo Tutt, Participation Development Partner at the LTA; Ed Nieburg Director of the NTA; and Councillor Simon Speller.

The tennis courts are managed by the National Tennis Association (NTA), on behalf of Stevenage Borough Council. The NTA will deal with the day-to-day operation of the courts, which includes online bookings and a range of programmes and coaching courses using highly qualified tennis coaches.

The court refurbishments, which have been funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including being completely resurfaced with green-painted courts with blue surrounds, and repairs being made to the fencing. A new gate has been installed, with a unique gate entry system to enable online bookings, and new signage has been put up. Overhanging shrubbery has also been cut back to avoid foliage dropping onto the courts. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Councillor Richard Henry, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many people of varying abilities and ages join us for the open day showing off their tennis skills and having fun.

“The courts are now available to book, and I hope that they will encourage even more people to take part in the sport, which will have a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. And who knows, they may help us to discover the next Emma Raducanu here in Stevenage!”

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:

“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Stevenage 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.”

For more information visit our tennis web page.