Refurbished Trafford tennis court a smash hit

New figures show that over 3,000 bookings have been recorded at the courts since they re-opened a year ago as part of a project between Trafford Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The figure represents a huge increase in usage and shows that more than half of all tennis played across the ten-park Trafford network takes place at Longford Park.

Trafford Council is committed to improving sporting facilities across the borough and providing opportunities for residents to improve their health and wellbeing. It has made providing culture, sport and heritage for everyone a specific priority.

Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:

"Players have been flocking to the courts since they were resurfaced and refurbished last year and I am delighted to see they are proving to be so popular.

"Trafford Council is upgrading Longford Park as part of a £6m investment scheme and it is only fitting that these courts play a huge part in that improvement project. I am delighted we are offering people in the area the chance to play tennis at such a great location. The summer months are set to be even busier."

The LTA launched its Parks Tennis Project to invest in parks tennis courts across the country, and Trafford Council saw this as an opportunity to secure much needed investment for tennis in the borough. Working with the Association in 2025, the Council engaged in consultation with residents, users of the courts and friends of parks groups.

Following the consultation, it was agreed to seek investment for Longford and Ashton tennis courts and to introduce a pay and play scheme with revenue generated used to maintain the courts. The aim of the project was to encourage more residents to engage in physical activity through tennis and to ensure the courts can be sustained for future users.

Longford, now the official home of tennis in Trafford, also provides a coaching programme giving players somewhere to progress to beyond casual court hire and free Parks Tennis inclusive sessions.

Ashton Park tennis courts, updated as part of the Parks Tennis Project, are also proving popular and have attracted hundreds of players over the last 12 months.

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: 

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