Sport
Aberdeen’s Ruthrieston and Northfield outdoor tennis courts have officially
reopened as part of a £210,000 renovation taking place across the Aberdeen City
Council area, delivered by the LTA and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation
and the council.
The
official opening events took place on Saturday, June 22 – Ruthrieston from 10:00
to 12:00 and Northfield from 14:00 to 16:00, with the courts officially opened
by Sport Aberdeen’s chairman, Tony Dawson. Sport Aberdeen manages both
centres on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.
Attendees
were given the opportunity to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of
tennis activities, games and adult coaching taster sessions, as well as
enjoying the bouncy castle, free ice cream from Mr. Whippy and the face
painting available for children.
Through
the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in
parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform eight
courts in the Aberdeen local area, providing a significant boost to sporting
facilities.
There
are three outdoor non-floodlit courts at Northfield
Sports Centre and five outdoor non-floodlit courts at Ruthrieston
Sports Centre.
The
courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come,
including court resurfacing and repainting, as well as replacement fencing,
nets and security gates.
This
nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis
courts being brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the
country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
Opening event at Ruthrieston outdoor courts
As well as weekly Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions with equipment provided, the refurbished courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
All courts will be available to book using ClubSpark here – a small booking fee will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.
The LTA and Sport Aberdeen 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.
Graeme Dale, Director of Sport and Active Communities at Sport Aberdeen, said: “It is fantastic to see new life breathed into our outdoor tennis courts at Northfield and Ruthrieston.
“We enjoyed welcoming the local community along to both opening events on Saturday – there was a real buzz and community spirit which was great to see.
“The modern and refurbished courts are easily accessible with a low booking cost, so we hope that people of all ages and abilities will go outside, enjoy the fresh air and have fun playing tennis.
“Our courts are available for booking now, head to ClubSpark here.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Aberdeen officially 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.”