· Bwlchgwyn tennis courts officially reopened after renovations managed by the LTA, Brymbo Community Council and Wrexham Council with support from the LTA Tennis Foundation.
· The courts at Bwlchgwyn have been refurbished as part of the biggest ever transformation of parks tennis facilities across Britain
· These courts will provide opportunities for many more people to pick up a racket and get on court.
Bwlchgwyn tennis courts have officially reopened as part of an £68,000 renovation managed by the LTA, supported by the community council and the LTA Tennis Foundation. Of the total investment of £68,000, Brymbo Community Council contributed £40k from grant funding.
Tennis courts in Bwlchgwyn, were officially opened at an event attended by a range of stakeholders, along with representatives from the LTA. There was an opportunity for children from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court as part of the Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions being delivered by Active Wrexham.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform courts in Bellevue, Acton Park, and now Bwlchgwyn providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new nets & new gate system. This nationwide programme more than £45million of investment has seen over 3,000 existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
As well as weekly Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the refurbished courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The LTA and Wrexham Council will work together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Brymbo Community and Wrexham County Councillor Paul Rogers said:
“As Chairman of Brymbo Community Council I am pleased to have worked with Bwlchgwyn Councillors on this project and played a part to secure the match funding towards the refurbishment of the tennis courts.
I would like to thank everyone involved, in particular the Lawn Tennis Association for their role in delivering these improvements which will mean that the community can benefit from these facilities for years to come.”
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Environment said: “Wrexham has one of the largest indoor and outdoor tennis facilities in the UK, (Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre) that last year hosted the successful Wrexham Lexus Open, with the competition returning here to Wrexham later this year. “The event in Wrexham would have no doubt increased participation in the sport and we hope that the renovation of the Bwlchgwyn park facility will allow even more members of our community to access high quality tennis facilities and get involved with the game.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:
“We’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Bwlchgwyn officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
