Tennis courts at a popular Birmingham park have reopened following a significant £330,000 renovation. The courts at Cannon Hill Park are now available for public use after extensive refurbishment work carried out across the Birmingham City Council area.
Biggest Ever Transformation
Cannon Hill Park is one of nine parks in the city where a total of 27 tennis courts have been refurbished as part of what is described as the 'biggest ever transformation of parks tennis facilities across Britain'. The scheme is delivered by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and funded by the council in partnership with the UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundation's Park Tennis Project.
Through the Park Tennis Project, the LTA has invested heavily in parks tennis facilities nationwide, transforming 3,200 park tennis courts in over 1,000 parks. Cannon Hill Park is among nine parks in the area to benefit from this investment.
Extensive Renovation Work
The courts across the city have undergone extensive work to ensure their viability for years to come. This includes resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets, and a new gate system. The nationwide programme aims to bring thousands of existing park tennis courts that were in poor or unplayable condition back to life for the benefit of communities, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
The programme is being delivered locally through a partnership between MicroSports and Birmingham City Council, helping to create a sustainable and inclusive future for park tennis across the city. Since taking over the management of Birmingham's park tennis venues, MicroSports has worked closely with the council to grow community participation, expand free and low-cost opportunities to play, and create welcoming initiatives for people of all ages and abilities to get active through tennis.
Booking and Access
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology make it easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The LTA, Birmingham City Council, and MicroSports 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.
Official Comments
Frank Jordan, Executive Director of City Operations at Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the courts at Cannon Hill Park and across Birmingham brought back to life through this partnership with the LTA and MicroSports. By combining refurbished courts with free, accessible sessions, we’re helping remove barriers to participation and opening up the sport to residents of all ages and abilities. We’re proud to be part of a programme that is creating lasting benefits for Birmingham’s residents and supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Birmingham officially reopen 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.”
