Danson Park tennis courts have officially reopened as part of a £338,342 renovation taking place across Bexley, managed by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), funded by the Council, UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.

Tennis courts in Danson Park, among seven parks in the area to have benefited from this investment, were reopened at a special event on Saturday 19 October. The event was attended by the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Sue Gower MBE, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Richard Diment, and MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Culture, Media and Sport), Louie French, along with representatives from the LTA and Kent Tennis.

During the event, there was an opportunity for guests to pick up a racket and get on the court for a range of tennis sessions with the new operator, TwistFizz.

The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and new gate systems.

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.

The new 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.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA has transformed 24 courts across the Bexley, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities. The nationwide programme of investment from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation is seeing thousands of 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.

Small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA, the London Borough of Bexley and TwistFizz 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.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Richard Diment said:

What a great day for tennis in Bexley. These renovation works have made such a difference, not just to the courts in Danson Park but at all seven sites across the borough. We now have first class tennis facilities where local people can take part in regular free sessions, join a local league or just book in for a friendly knockabout.
Thanks go to LTA for their support throughout and to new operator TwistFizz. I’m looking forward to seeing the courts in full use.”

Lyndall Newton-Early, TwistFizz Director, said:

It was fantastic to witness the community’s enthusiasm for tennis as all six courts were alive with activity. We are committed to sustaining this energy and creating plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy tennis across the seven parks tennis sites in Bexley.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said:

We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Bexley 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.”

Photo left to right:

Amanda Robinson, LTA Delivery Manager; Keith Gill, Kent Tennis LTA Councillor; Louie French MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Culture, Media and Sport); Cllr Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods; Cllr Andrew Courtois, Falconwood & Welling Ward; Phil Lewis, Sports Development Officer at London Borough of Bexley; Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Sue Gower MBE JP; Claire Shevlin, Outdoor Recreation Manager at London Borough of Bexley and Lyndall Newton-Early, TwistFizz Director.