Tennis courts in North East Lincolnshire will be playable all year round thanks to the installation of six new floodlights.
The courts at Barretts Recreation Ground will now be accessible until later in the evening, meaning you can play a forehand or a backhand no matter how dark it might be.
This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and comes following the full-scale refurbishment of various tennis courts across the borough in 2024. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) funding transformed the courts at Barretts Recreation Ground, Sussex Recreation Ground and Haverstoe Park, investing £225,000 into the courts.
Part of a nationwide approach to improve tennis facilities across Great Britain, the initiative has meant the sport can be opened to more people and has brought a number of rundown courts back to life.
The original works included resurfacing, fencing replacement, new gate-access technology, and booking systems. Now, the courts at Barretts Recreation Ground have been improved upon again with these six new floodlights funded through the Council, enhancing it into an all-year-round facility, with work carried out by local company Townsend.
These types of improvements are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Accessible courts also ensure that anyone who wishes to can use them. Since the investment, across the three parks there has been over 6,500 hours of tennis activity.
The courts are operated by We Do Tennis C.I.C and are available to book via the website – https://wdtvenues.co.uk/nelincs-parks
There are a range of options available from annual passes to pay-as-you-go concessionary schemes and these small fees will support the courts being maintained for the years to come.
A spokesperson from We Do Tennis said: “The installation of new floodlights at Barretts Recreation Ground marks a huge step forward for tennis in North East Lincolnshire.
“These courts can now serve the community for longer each day, giving players of all ages more chances to train, play, and stay active. Extended evening access means more coaching opportunities, more social play, and a more vibrant tennis community.
“This investment opens the door for many more people to enjoy the game and feel part of something special.”
Councillor Tanya Brasted, Portfolio Holer for Culture, Heritage and Visitor Economy, added: “This improvement is essential in making sport in North East Lincolnshire available to all.
“The floodlights mean you can play pretty much play whenever you want – giving people the opportunity to try something new or hone their skills.
“I would encourage anyone to give it a go – the new courts are a great asset to our borough and need to be used as much as possible.”
Share this article