**Revitalized Park Tennis Courts Spark Inspiration During Davis Cup**
As Great Britain competes in the Davis Cup Finals group stage this weekend, a new wave of inspiration is sweeping through communities, encouraging the next generation to pick up a racket and get on court. The David Lewis Recreation Ground, located just a 15-minute drive north of the AO Arena, has recently been transformed through the Park Tennis Project. This initiative, funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and delivered by the LTA, aims to bring thousands of park tennis courts back to life for local communities.
**Transformation of David Lewis Rec**
The courts at David Lewis Rec have undergone a complete refurbishment, with new gates and an online booking platform making access to high-quality tennis facilities easier than ever before. The $30 million investment in the Park Tennis Project has brought new life to the courts, creating a welcoming space for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. This revitalization has sparked a renewed interest in the sport, with more community members taking advantage of the newly renovated facilities.
Across Greater Manchester, a total of 160 public park courts are benefiting from a $2.2 million investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation. In Manchester alone, the LTA has partnered with Manchester City Council and Manchester Active to deliver a $508,985 investment, transforming 42 courts across 15 parks. This initiative is creating new opportunities for people in communities that have traditionally lacked access to tennis facilities, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
**The Impact of the Medicare Foundation**
On the freshly renovated courts at David Lewis Rec, the non-profit organization the Medicare Foundation has been running free weekly sessions for the community to enjoy tennis. Many participants are picking up a racket for the first time, discovering a new passion for the sport. The Medicare Foundation, founded by Naana Hagan-Cherry, a former military nurse, has been using tennis as a platform to raise awareness for the urgent need for blood donations for sickle cell disease patients. Through the power of sport, the Foundation is bringing people together and making a positive impact in the community.
Alex, Naana’s husband and co-founder of the Medicare Foundation, shared, “Since coming out of the army, Naana has been dedicated to raising awareness for the urgent need for blood donations for sickle cell disease patients. As a sports fanatic, the best way she thought to do this was by using the power of sport. We’ve built up a tennis community in Manchester and linked up with the LTA to promote our cause.”
**Community Engagement and Inclusivity**
The LTA’s support has been instrumental in running Serves sessions at David Lewis Rec, providing engaging opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in tennis. Through initiatives like Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions every Saturday, the community is coming together to enjoy the sport in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Alex emphasized the diversity within the community sessions, with participants ranging from young children to adults, creating a vibrant and inclusive tennis community at David Lewis Rec.
The renovations at the park courts have not only improved the facilities but also brought the community together in a shared love for tennis. Alex highlighted the positive impact of the renovation, stating, “Many people pass by and wonder if the courts were even there before. They have always been there, but the renovation has meant that they are used like never before. Since we’ve been at David Lewis Rec, there has been no vandalism, and the renovation pulls the whole community to them.”
**Inspiring the Next Generation**
With the local Manchester community galvanized by the newly renovated public park courts, tennis star Naomi Broady, a former top-ranked British player, visited one of the Medicare Foundation’s sessions ahead of the Davis Cup action. Broady emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all children to access sports facilities and engage in physical activity. She expressed her hope that the Davis Cup being in Manchester would inspire kids in the city to pick up a racket, have fun, and stay active.
The transformation of park tennis courts across Greater Manchester is not only revitalizing community spaces but also inspiring a new generation of tennis players. The investment in these facilities is creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the sport, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the tennis community. Through initiatives like the Park Tennis Project and the efforts of organizations like the Medicare Foundation, tennis is becoming more accessible and engaging for everyone.