Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club  is hosting a family fun open day at its Pheasant Hill based on Saturday, 18th May.

Anyone from the local community is invited to attend at no cost and all equipment will be provided, encouraging people of all ages to try tennis and/or the new pickleball game, which the club is the first locally to organise.

Sessions for under-8s mini tennis, junior tennis for 9-17 year-olds, adult coaching, and pickleball can be booked here.

Also, on the same day families are being encouraged to see the new tennis courts in two Mansfield parks following extensive LTA-supported refurbishments – Racecourse Park, off Maltby Road, and Carr Bank Park.

At the Racecourse Park event there will also be a chance to get tips, watch tricks, and find out more about the upcoming sessions being run by newly-appointed contractor We Do Tennis. Equipment will be provided on the day, and booking is required beforehand. This can be done here.

Coun Andy Burgin, portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure at Mansfield District Council, said: “These courts have had a much-needed refurbishment and are ready for residents to enjoy as we head into the summer months.

“I would encourage everyone to join us on Saturday to have a go on the new courts. Everything will be provided for you, and it will be free to attend. A perfect chance to get outside and enjoy all the physical and wellbeing benefits exercising brings.”

Work began on the two tennis sites, eight courts at Racecourse and four courts at Carr Bank, last summer.

The court refurbishments were funded by the government and the LTA Tennis Foundation as part of the national Parks Tennis Project, in which over 3,000 park courts across England, Scotland and Wales are receiving upgrades.

Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Mansfield District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with the council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”

As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social competitions. These will be run and organised by We Do Tennis.

The new booking system and gate access technology mean it is now easier to get on court at the parks by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The courts cost £5 an hour to hire. Bookings can be made at www.lta.org.uk/book.