Tennis lovers flocked to newly-renovated courts at Racecourse Park, Mansfield, at their official reopening event.

The Mansfield District Council facilities off Epsom Street were upgraded, along with courts at Carr Bank Park in the town, thanks to £151,326.58 from the Park Tennis Project, a nationwide £30m investment by the government and the Tennis Foundation, delivered by the Lawn Tennis Association, to refurbish public tennis courts and open the sport to more people.

Free access to the facilities, with racquets and balls provided, was available for local people last Saturday. The newly-appointed operator, We Do Tennis, was on hand to offer tips and share information about upcoming free sessions at the court.

The official opening was also attended by Coun Craig Whitby, deputy mayor of Mansfield; Coun Andy Burgin, portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure; along with representatives from the LTA.

Coun Burgin said: “The eight refurbished courts at Racecourse Park and four at Carr Bank now offer superb facilities and with the weather hopefully getting warmer and drier, now is the perfect opportunity to get out and have a go at tennis.

“Mansfield has produced a fair few sporting champions over the years so who knows, maybe it could produce a Wimbledon champion of the future, too.

“Playing any kind of sport, at whatever level, delivers significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits and we hope residents will make use of the new facilities and the organised tennis sessions.”

Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts at Racecourse Park officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.

“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

The revamps last yea, saw the installation of top-quality surfacing, new markings, new nets on all courts, perimeter fencing repairs and replacement and a smart access gate system to facilitate online court bookings which can now be made via the LTA website.

The courts cost £5 an hour to hire. Annual memberships for individuals and families are also available. Bookings can be made at www.lta.org.uk/book.

We Do Tennis C.I.C, a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving, growing, and securing the future of tennis at all levels, will be offering free sessions on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racquet and play. The new courts will also host local tennis leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

Andy Moss, head of Parks at We Do Tennis, said: “It was fantastic to get on court with local residents and launch the newly upgraded courts. We are extremely excited to be working with the council to provide a first-class parks tennis programme and help people of all ages and abilities to get into the game.”