The newly-refurbished tennis courts at Shephalbury Park in Stevenage are set to open with a free taster event on Sunday, May 21.

There will be a range of fun activities on offer for the entire family, with sessions for all ages and abilities.

Starting at 10am and running until 1.30pm, attendees can book their place in advance and will receive 50 per cent off their first month of coaching.

There will be sessions for four to seven-year-olds, eight to ten-year-olds, 11 to 17-year-olds, and adults.

The Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Margaret Notley, will be there with the leader of the council, Cllr Richard Henry.

They will cut the ribbon at 11am, with Leo Tutt, participation development partner at the LTA, deputy mayor Cllr Myla Arceno, and Cllr Simon Speller also in attendance.

Refurbishing the courts cost £110,920.13, funded by investment from the government and the LTA Tennis Foundation.

It is hoped that the investment, replicated nationally, will bring thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition back to life.

The council has worked with the LTA to ensure a range of activity is in place for the community, including a weekly organised free park tennis session for all ages, playing levels and experiences with equipment provided.

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Cllr Henry said: “We know how important park tennis courts are in helping children and adults to get more active, so it’s fantastic news that Shephalbury Park tennis courts have benefited from the LTA’s national investment programme.

“The courts will improve access to sports for residents, and the facility will offer not only physical but mental wellbeing benefits for anyone who can come along and book.

“We are looking forward to seeing keen tennis players of all abilities join us for the open day.”

Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Stevenage 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.”