The Quarry Road Tennis Courts next to the Town Gardens have been formally reopened following extensive refurbishment.
The courts, previously operated by Swindon Borough Council, saw redevelopment begin last year thanks to funding by South Swindon Parish Council and the Lawn Tennis Association.
Drainage issues in what is possibly the lowest-lying piece of land in the neighbourhood meant that the courts remained closed until this year while the necessary work was carried out.
The courts are now operated and managed by the National Tennis Association, who also manage the St. Mark’s Recreation Ground Tennis Courts in Gorse Hill.
The formal reopening was attended by parish councillors and representatives of both associations.
Cllr David Griffiths, who represents Old Town and East Wichel, recalled: "It was dilapidated. It was a Swindon Borough Council asset that was not used - the borough didn't have the cash to invest in it.
"The asset was signed over to the parish so we took it over, and we've been working with the Lawn Tennis Association to bring it back into operation.
"We're very grateful for the money that the Lawn Tennis Association were able to secure to bring the courts up to standard."
Lawn Tennis Association Parks Investment Delivery Partner James Deem said: "The Lawn Tennis Association Tennis Foundation, which is our charitable arm, pulled together a £30m fund to invest in public tennis facilities all acrpss the UK, and Swindon was selected.
"In partnership with South Swindon Parish Council we invested £130,000 in completely transforming this facility from unplayable to a really high quality facility that people will be able to play on all year round."
Parish council vice-chair Rebecca Banwell-Moore said the refurbished courts were not only an excellent facility in themselves but also complemented the nearby play area and park, making the whole location an ideal destination for a family day out.
Among the first local tennis enthusiasts to sample the delights of the court was Revd Canon Simon Stevenette, Vicar of Christ Church.
"I live in Old Town," he said, "so it's really special to have courts of this quality."
Booking details can be found at https://quarryroad.swindontennis.org.uk/
Drainage issues in what is possibly the lowest-lying piece of land in the neighbourhood meant that the courts remained closed until this year while the necessary work was carried out.
The courts are now operated and managed by the National Tennis Association, who also manage the St. Mark’s Recreation Ground Tennis Courts in Gorse Hill.
The formal reopening was attended by parish councillors and representatives of both associations.
Cllr David Griffiths, who represents Old Town and East Wichel, recalled: "It was dilapidated. It was a Swindon Borough Council asset that was not used - the borough didn't have the cash to invest in it.
"The asset was signed over to the parish so we took it over, and we've been working with the Lawn Tennis Association to bring it back into operation.
"We're very grateful for the money that the Lawn Tennis Association were able to secure to bring the courts up to standard."
Lawn Tennis Association Parks Investment Delivery Partner James Deem said: "The Lawn Tennis Association Tennis Foundation, which is our charitable arm, pulled together a £30m fund to invest in public tennis facilities all acrpss the UK, and Swindon was selected.
"In partnership with South Swindon Parish Council we invested £130,000 in completely transforming this facility from unplayable to a really high quality facility that people will be able to play on all year round."
Parish council vice-chair Rebecca Banwell-Moore said the refurbished courts were not only an excellent facility in themselves but also complemented the nearby play area and park, making the whole location an ideal destination for a family day out.
Among the first local tennis enthusiasts to sample the delights of the court was Revd Canon Simon Stevenette, Vicar of Christ Church.
"I live in Old Town," he said, "so it's really special to have courts of this quality."
Booking details can be found at https://quarryroad.swindontennis.org.uk/
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