A popular tennis scheme which has boosted the number of people taking up the sport in Heath is set to be rolled out to six other parks across Cardiff.
The plan could see the LTA invest about £750,000 in 29 of the city’s tennis courts, through its UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation-funded Park Project.
As part of the agreement, the refurbished courts, starting with those at Rumney Hill Gardens, Victoria Park and Llandaff Fields, will be managed, operated, and maintained by Tennis Wales, who currently operate the Heath Park tennis courts.
Cardiff Council cabinet member Jennifer Burke said: “The LTA and Tennis Wales’ delivery of investment at Heath Park has converted a site that was in poor condition with very limited tennis activity into a vibrant, tennis hub where the game is being enjoyed every day.
“There has been a significant increase in people taking up the game there, with coaching, schools’ activity, and competitions all on offer alongside regular games. There are now 900 members playing at the Heath courts, including the first LGBGTQ club in Wales. It’s really exceeded our expectations and it’s very exciting to think this LTA investment will enable the scheme to be rolled out across the city, bringing the sport to even more people.”
The LTA investment is part of a £30 million UK-wide programme that will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life to benefit communities.
As part of the agreement Tennis Wales will introduce and operate its Club Spark entry membership and management scheme. The scheme enables Tennis Wales to generate income via a low-cost, pay-to-play policy the proceeds of which are used to reinvest into the courts.
Councillor Burke added: “This is a great opportunity to secure and protect the future of tennis courts across the city for future generations. It’s no secret the council is having to make budget cuts year after year, so we must find partners who can help us maintain services in a way that benefits the residents of Cardiff.
“The Tennis pilot in Heath gives clear evidence that this could be successfully rolled out across the city for the benefit of everyone. Right now, our tennis courts are in poor repair, and this offers us an opportunity to do something about that.”
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