The next generation of tennis players in Enfield have the opportunity to show off their skills at new, flood-lit tennis courts in Firs Farm, Bush Hill.
The courts, which were officially opened in October, mark the start of a dedicated investment programme in tennis in Enfield with court refurbishments due to take place at Albany Park, Arnos Park, Craig Park and Town Park.
At the opening, Enfield Council’s Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan was joined by members of the Lawn Tennis Association, who have helped to develop and deliver the courts and Enfield Council’s tennis investment programme, which includes a £500,000 injection of funding into the sport.
The Councillor was kept busy at the baseline by students from Firs Farm Primary School. They received some top tennis tips from Primal Health Tennis Academy which is based in neighbouring Bush Hill Park. Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Board Member Sandi Procter and the Friends of Firs Farm Recreation Ground also came to support the launch.
Cllr Caliskan said: “This is a very exciting development for Enfield. By facilitating the development of high-quality facilities, we can help the community become more active, provide opportunities for training and volunteering and make use of our fantastic open spaces. We support the LTA’s clear ambitions – to deliver a great service to residents and clubs across the borough, to build partnerships in the community and to enhance the tennis offering in education. By doing this, we can help build healthier, safer and more cohesive communities with fairer access to high-quality sports facilities for all.”
The new tennis courts are safe and secure with a pin controlled gate for entry and floodlights for use when the sun goes down. The courts are free of charge for use during off-peak hours, while during peak times, the courts can be hired for as little as £4 per hour. The new courts at Firs Farm are the first park courts in Enfield to be fully floodlit and will be open from 9am until 9pm, all year round. The money charged to use the courts will be put back into maintaining the facilities to a good standard. You can book a tennis court online.
Lawn Tennis Association Board Member Sandi Procter, said: “Our research has shown that for those who don’t play tennis but would like to, 80 per cent would see a park court as their first option. This is fantastic news that Enfield Council has taken a proactive approach to promoting tennis in their parks and we look forward to welcoming the next tennis stars of the future .”