TENNIS: Park Courts Reopening
Six hard courts in Alexandra Park have been renovated by Hastings Borough Council (HBC) with funds from the Lawn Tennis Association, and will be officially reopened tomorrow (Saturday).
In celebration, Break Point tennis, an enterprise led by local coach Joe Adams, will be offering free tutorial sessions throughout the day, with games, competitions, and social events. Rackets and tennis balls will be provided, so anyone can come along and play.
Coaching sessions will be split across the day, including adult coaching, cardio tennis, family time, junior (11-16) and youth (5-10).
The future cost of playing on these courts has been set remarkably low. A household of up to five people can book them for up to two hours per day for 365 days a year at an annual cost of £36. This compares with an individual subscription of £147 per five-month year for a season ticket on the council’s bowling greens.
Asked why there is such a discrepancy, a council spokesperson said that ‘fine-turf’ maintenance of the greens is much more expensive than upkeep of hard tennis courts. “The prices for tennis were based on a combination of experience from other LTA-funded sites; they were set at the lower end of what is typically charged elsewhere. It was decided to make it as easy and affordable as possible for people to play tennis.”
Adams said: “It is with great excitement that we are partnering with Hastings Borough Council, the LTA, and Active Hastings to make tennis more accessible to the community of Hastings. There is no doubt that the quality of the courts and exceptional value of the membership will attract hundreds of new players to the sport. The full coaching programme will complement our existing activities at The Green and Amherst clubs, and at local schools.”
Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor at HBC for health and culture, added: “We are delighted with the new courts at Alexandra Park and are looking forward to seeing lots of people at the opening. The refurbished courts are a fantastic addition to the sports facilities in our town, a big thank you to the LTA for funding the improvements. Tennis is a great way of getting out in the fresh air and it can be played with friends and family, so it’s a sociable activity too.”
You can find out more and book your free session and/or annual subscription on-line at clubspark.lta.org.uk/AlexandraParkHastings
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