A CELEBRATORY launch event took place on Monday, May 27 to mark the official opening of the newly renovated tennis courts in Egerton Park.
At a special ribbon cutting ceremony Cllr Richard Thomas, Chair of Rother District Council, officially declared the refurbished tennis courts open.
The opening of all five public courts was marked with a series of taster sessions where children and adults had the chance to try out the game with the help of professional coaches.
Sessions included a fun starter course for primary school aged children, modified tennis for people with disabilities, cardio-tennis, pickleball and a tennis fitness class.
The day proved popular with many taking the opportunity to find out more about the options for playing tennis locally.
Cllr Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, said: “I am delighted the renovated Egerton Park tennis courts are now officially open.
“The improvements will help ensure the courts can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for many years to come. I encourage those who already play tennis as well as anyone who would like to take up the sport to come along and take advantage of these new facilities and get active.”
The improvements to the Bexhill courts have been funded by Government and Lawn Tennis Association investment of more than £100,000 through the LTA Park Tennis Project and include resurfacing, new nets and posts and a new gate system.
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts at Egerton Park 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.”
Rother District Council is working with the Lawn Tennis Association and the charity Tennis For Free to deliver a range of activities at Egerton Park to encourage more residents to play tennis.
For more information about the courts, including the coaching sessions available, how to book the courts and details of the next Tennis For Free sessions, visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/EgertonParkTennisCourts
Published: 29th May 2024
