Tennis courts at two Rotherham parks set to re-open after improvements
TENNIS courts are to re-open at two Rotherham parks in time for the summer after upgrade work.
Thanks to a grant from the Lawn Tennis Association’s Parks Tennis initiative, improvements to the tennis courts at Herringthorpe Valley Park and Rawmarsh’s Rosehill Victoria Park are currently underway.
The work is scheduled for completion early this year, with a formal opening planned for spring.
The work includes new drainage systems, resurfaced courts at both parks, new nets and posts and upgraded fencing.
To make access easier and more secure, the courts will feature a keypad gate linked to the Courtside booking system already in use at Clifton Park.
A year-round programme of coached tennis activities will also be introduced, encouraging more people to get active and enjoy the sport.
A Rotherham Council spokesman added: “These improvements will provide better facilities for local residents and improve the playing experience.”
The news has been welcomed by Moorgate Tennis Club, which intends to make use of some of the improved courts for league games, like it does the two existing ones at Clifton Park.
A club spokesman said: “We are delighted to witness the provision of more tennis facilities for the Rotherham area.
“Tennis is consistently ranked in the top three of all sports which are deemed to be most beneficial for health, both mental and physical, and it can become a lifelong obsession. Most clubs have members still playing in their 80s and sometimes in their 90s.
“These improved courts will enable us to offer competitive league tennis to even more of our members.
"I would encourage anyone to make use of them and if in the future they wish to join a club there will always be a warm welcome waiting at Moorgate.”