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Hylands and Raphael’s Park have been selected by the Tennis Foundation for the accolade along with 30 other Beacon sites across the country. They are two of the first community sites to achieve the status, which recognises the best community-focused facilities, as part of AEGON Parks Tennis.
Sue Mappin, Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “We were delighted to recognise the excellent work both parks are already doing by awarding them ‘Beacon’ status. To grow participation we need more quality public tennis facilities like these, offering the local community a fun, affordable tennis experience all year round. The Tennis Foundation is working in partnership with the Borough Council to develop community tennis, as part of its ongoing drive to enhance the opportunities in the area of Havering.
“Through AEGON Parks Tennis, we are committed to improving access to tennis around the country – whether playing for fun or competing. Tennis is a fantastic lifelong sport and I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part. Working with local tennis providers, this will make a real contribution to building healthier and safer communities, as well as ensuring that anyone wanting to pick up a racket can do so in a quality local environment.”
To become a ‘Beacon’ site, all facilities must offer access to free tennis; plus quality, affordable coaching and regular competitions for all ages and abilities.
Havering Councillor Andrew Curting said: “I’m delighted for both parks that they have been awarded these much deserved accolades. The Beacon status confirms their positions as organisations that deliver fun affordable year round tennis getting more players playing tennis better and that’s great news for players of all standards who live in the area.
“I know both clubs are delighted to be two of the first parks to be recognised as centres of excellence for community tennis through their new Beacon status and hopefully both parks can now go from strength to strength and get more people involved in the game.”
AEGON Parks Tennis aims to increase community access to tennis in parks and communities nationwide. Led by the Tennis Foundation and supported by the LTA, AEGON Parks Tennis is a key programme in British tennis’ drive to increase participation and grow tennis at all levels. The long-term aim is to have one beacon site acting as a centre of community tennis excellence in each of the 442 local authorities in Britain.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tennis Foundation: Gemma Rix 0845 8720522 / Gemma.Rix@tennisfoundation.org.uk
LTA: Vivien Smiley, Head of Communications 07798 677860 / vivien.smiley@lta.org.uk