Young players join Jonny O'Mara as Dundee Park courts reopen

A total of 24 courts across 8 parks in the city have been refurbished at a cost of £164,000 under the Parks Tennis Project, funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and delivered by the LTA. The sites will be operated by Tennis Scotland, hosting a busy calendar of events, including coaching for all ages, free activity sessions and local competitions.

Dozens of children visited two of the sites – Baxter Park and Dawson Park – on Saturday, 7 September to take part in a series of fun tennis activities. Jonny was at Baxter Park on Saturday morning and helped put players aged 4-11 through their paces.

Arbroath-born Jonny, now the lead coach for the Scottish National Player Programme, said: “It was a fun morning and exciting to see the new courts in such great shape – I’m sure people across Dundee will be inspired to visit their local park site and enjoy tennis.”

That event was also attended by Councillor Lynne Short (Culture, History and Sports Spokesperson) from Dundee City Council and Tennis Scotland Vice-President Rhona Alston.

Councillor Short said: “It was wonderful to see all these young people enjoying playing tennis and watching the coaches pouring their heart and soul into their sport. All ages and all abilities can come and use this fantastic resource that we have in the city now and I can’t thank enough all the partners who have contributed to the costs, it really is appreciated.”

Under the Parks Tennis Project, the biggest ever transformation of park facilities across Britain, the UK Government has so far funded the refurbishment of 160 courts in more than 40 parks around Scotland, delivered by the LTA with support from Tennis Scotland. The other sites in Dundee are: Campderdown Park, South Road Park, Fairmuir Park, Dudhope Park, Victoria Park and Esplanade.

The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing and repainting, replacing fencing and installing new gate systems. 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 online and new booking systems and gate access technology mean it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. Whilst courts are free to use, there is a small charge for the use of floodlighting at Baxter and Dawson parks. The LTA, Dundee City Council and Tennis Scotland 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.

'Significant investment in Scotland'

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “Alongside our partners, we’re excited with this significant investment into tennis in Scotland. These public courts are a fantastic asset to the local community, and also to the existing growing tennis community in Dundee. All partners are working towards increasing opportunities to play tennis and invest in facilities where possible.

“Thanks to all our partners for their support in making this investment possible. It was great to see so many young players enjoy the sessions on Saturday, and we hope they and their families are inspired to keep coming back to make use of these superb community facilities.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Dundee officially re-open 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.”