More than 1,000 Barnet residents have signed up for the council’s affordable tennis membership scheme, as part of a major transformation of the borough’s tennis facilities that has seen court bookings surge to over 60,000 annually.
The success follows a £1.3 million investment – £700,000 from the Lawn Tennis Association and £600,000 match funding from Barnet Council – to refurbish 41 courts across 21 parks to a high standard.
The Greenspaces team also introduced a new online booking system, low-cost membership options, and professional coaching sessions, making tennis more accessible and affordable for all.
The membership scheme allows adults to play for just £36.15 a year – or £15.50 for concessions – enabling two one-hour bookings per week at no extra cost.
Cllr Anne Clarke, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“It’s fantastic to see over 1,000 residents already taking advantage of our low-cost tennis membership.
“This shows how we can deliver high-quality services that are accessible and affordable, while also generating income to reinvest in our parks. The Greenspaces team has done a brilliant job – this is a real win for Barnet.”
In total, more than 120,000 people have played tennis in Barnet parks over the past year. Free-to-play sessions run every weekday from 10am–11am and 4pm–6pm, and coaching is now available in eight parks, generating an additional £20,000 in income.
Annual income from tennis has jumped to £173,000, with £46,000 ring-fenced each year to maintain the courts and the remainder helping to reduce the cost of other council services. Residents can book a tennis session at: clubspark.lta.org.uk/PlayTennisBarnet