The sound of bouncing balls is about to echo through Connaught Park once again as two sparkling, state-of-the-art tennis courts have been unveiled today, Saturday, April 19th!
Photo: DDC
Dover District Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have renovated two tennis courts at Connaught Park in Dover, as part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation – with the courts fully reopen for public booking from today, Saturday, (19 April).
Thanks to a dynamic partnership between Dover District Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), fueled by a nationwide investment from the UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation, these courts have undergone a stunning transformation, ready for YOU to dominate the baseline!
Forget cracked surfaces and droopy nets! Connaught Park now boasts a complete court overhaul, featuring vibrant new coloured surfacing that will make every shot pop, pristine fencing to keep the action contained, razor-sharp new nets, and crisp, permanent court markings. This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a tennis revolution hitting the heart of Dover!
This local triumph is part of a sweeping national initiative spearheaded by the LTA, breathing new life into thousands of park tennis courts across the nation, all for the love of the game and the benefit of local communities. Dover’s slice of this investment comes in the form of a £57,800 grant from the LTA, ensuring these top-tier facilities are now a reality.
Say goodbye to showing up and hoping for a free court! In a move to maximize playtime and ensure fairness for all, Connaught Park now features a cutting-edge access-controlled entry gate and an easy-to-use online booking system. Just like the pros, you can now secure your court time in advance, guaranteeing your chance to unleash your inner Federer or Williams, especially during those peak match hours. This smart system also ensures the courts remain in prime condition for years to come.
The expert team at the Deal and Dover Park Tennis Community Interest Company (CIC) – the same champions who’ve masterfully managed the revitalized Marke Wood Tennis Courts – will now take the reins at Connaught Park. Get ready for a smash hit of community engagement as the CIC works hand-in-glove with the LTA to deliver a fantastic array of activities. Starting in July, look forward to free, weekly park tennis sessions for everyone, regardless of age or skill level, with all the necessary equipment provided!
For the truly dedicated tennis fanatics, season tickets are now available for an incredible £40! This unlocks year-round access to the courts for a family of four, and here’s the brilliant bonus: your ticket grants you booking privileges at both Connaught Park AND the already popular Marke Wood Tennis Courts! Existing Marke Wood season ticket holders can also now expand their playing horizons and book courts at Connaught Park.
The wait is over, Dover! Grab your racket, rally your friends and family, and get ready to experience the thrill of top-quality tennis at the newly reborn Connaught Park! Book your court online today and let the games begin!
David Parish, DDC Head of Property Assets said:
“We are very pleased to see this exciting renovation complete, and to welcome this new investment in tennis facilities in Dover. We would like to thank the LTA and everyone involved. The refurbishment of the courts at Connaught will offer a great opportunity for local residents of all ages to enjoy tennis in a beautiful park setting and improve their health while having fun.”
Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive at the LTA, said:
“We are delighted to have worked with Dover District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Dover District Council and the Parks Tennis Hub to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”
For more information on a variety of communal coaching sessions, including free parks tennis, and information on how to book a court and how to sign up for a season ticket, please see https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/DoverDealParksTennis