24 April 2020

Look don't touch - more locked-down courts!

A few more of your tennis court pictures. In this beautiful weather they are looking lovely. All they are missing is us!

Keeping an eye on your courts during lockdown is no bad thing. It's a tantalising reminder of what we are missing of course, but it is also a chance to check everything looks ok. We were able to feed back a message to one council to unwind the nets a little which should help lengthen their lives.

This week's prize can of balls goes to David from Liverpool for reminding us how his local park inspired an even bigger one in New York and for supplying a much-need picture for the Wirral Parks league home page!

Birkenhead Park, Merseyside

"Here are the closed courts in Birkenhead Park where I play some of my Wirral Parks tennis league matches," says David Coombs. "The park was the first publicly funded park in the world and was the inspiration for Central Park, New York. In the spring sunshine, it's a great place to walk the dog even if the tennis courts are closed."

CrowSTONE TC, CHALKWELL, ESSEX

"Crowstone TC is nestled between a raised railway line with adjoining (Victory) footpath, and a residential area," says Maddie Maxwell. "It’s quite difficult to find as the entrance is along this secluded footpath, so it’s a peaceful place. Add to that that Chalkwell Beach is only 100 yards down the road and we’re lucky to have a pretty idyllic place to unwind. I’m looking forward to the easing of lockdown, so I can get back in shape with some more LTL singles!

"I also run a tournament. It’s a Knockout (sounds like a TV prog!) tournament which runs all year round, with a Summer & Winter season. Obviously my Winter Tourney has been suspended, but I’m hoping to finish it sometime in the Summer, and play the finals at the club which would’ve hosted the Summer Tournament. All the players are very much looking forward to that. Wishing all the best to everyone and Stay Safe!"

It all looks so beautiful!

Cottingham LTC, HULL

"Sadly there is no local tennis league in Hull," says Saphsa Codling but this community-based facility with 9 courts looks great.

Saphsa also snapped Jesus Green in Cambridge, in the good old days before lockdown began

Aske Gardens, Hackney, London

"I hope your staying safe and healthy," says Kurt Williams who has been back on his local travels with his camera for us. Like other LTL players, he's missing his tennis: "It would be easier if the weather wasn't so nice. I did find an empty yard where I hit with my friend in a very social distancing way! Taking pictures will at least keep me busy!"

Kurt also sent us this glipse of the courts at King Edward Memorial Park in Tower Hamlets.

Finsbury Park, HARINGEY, North London

"Another beautiful morning" says LTL's Nigel who took this on one of his daily walks. "And another set of refurbished courtrs just waiting for us!"

Keep the pictures coming, BUT DO FOLLOW THIS GUIDANCE...

Do not go outside if you are self-isolating or have Coronavirus symptoms
Do not make an unnecessary trip to your courts just to take a picture. In many countries, neighbourhood walks are limited to a 1km distance from your home and we recommend this precaution.
Do not touch gates, handles or other fixtures and fittings and do not go on the courts themselves. Do not take your racket or other tennis equipment.
Do not linger - shoot and keep going on your way!
Do not ask others to use your camera or phone.
At all times, employ the recommended 2 meter social distancing from other people you may meet.
Turn round and go another way if the park is too busy
Do not include any children in the pictures (unless they are your own and you are happy for us to publish them in which case please make that clear when you send them).

Send your pictures (high res please), to info@localtennisleagues.com. Please tell us the name and location of the courts and add a note giving us permission to add them to the website. If we get a lot of nice submissions we'll award a prize to the best!

But remember...

Only do this if it is safe for you and others. Do not make any long or unnecessary trips. We love tennis and we want to it to start again as soon as possible and we want you and everyone else to be safe and well to play.