TENNIS courts in Juniper Green have opened following state-of-the-art renovations worth £100,000, thanks to a major fundraising drive by the local tennis club.
Almost £50,000 was raised by Juniper Green Tennis Club, matched by grant funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), to carry out extensive work on the two courts.
This includes resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and a smart entrance gate.
The courts are leased from the City of Edinburgh Council and managed for year-round public use by Juniper Green Tennis Club.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain.
This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
Councillor Margaret Graham, culture and communities convener, said: “I’m delighted to see these tennis courts upgraded at Juniper Green, and offering fantastic facilities for all those who use them.
“Juniper Green Tennis Club pulled out all the stops to fundraise for these renovations and it’s thanks to them, along with funding from the Lawn Tennis Association, that there will be even more opportunities for residents to get involved in the sport.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to see the courts at Juniper Green transformed 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.”
Juniper Green Tennis Club chair Paul Murphy said: “A group of local organisations, businesses and individuals successfully secured our participation in this fantastic nationwide scheme to transform local tennis facilities by making generous cash donations, providing five-year interest free loans and committing to five-year fixed term memberships.
“The support of the local community allied to the critical contribution from the LTA Park Tennis Project has helped to future proof the tennis courts in Juniper Green which have been such an important part of village life, on the current site, since their opening in 1907.”
