The facility includes three all-weather macadam surface courts, which are floodlit. Over £300,000 has been invested in the project by Glasgow City Council, sportscotland, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and Tennis Scotland.

Glasgow Life, the charity that delivers culture and sport in Glasgow, welcomed representatives from these funding partners to mark the opening. Pupils from Garrowhill Primary School also participated in a session with Glasgow Life’s Tennis Participation Officer, Neil Haig. They recently took part in the Davis Cup Tennis Schools Festival at the Emirates Arena which was arranged by Glasgow Life, Active Schools Glasgow, the LTA, and Tennis Scotland.

The courts are open to the public and local communities. Like all tennis courts operated by Glasgow Life in the city’s parks, they are free to use. The benefits of participating in sport are well-known, and facilities like this will allow people to become more active.

A new sustainability-led “Smart Gate” system has also been installed at the courts which will allow the number of users to be recorded. The system is linked to the floodlights to minimise energy use and ensure they are only on when courts are booked.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said:

The opening of these courts is hugely positive news for the East End and Glasgow as a whole. They will make tennis more accessible for local communities and give people the opportunity to live healthier lives.

Glasgow Life is committed to helping people experience the life-changing benefits of sport, and this new facility will do just that. Taking part in an activity like tennis can help to improve people’s mental and physical wellbeing. These new high-quality courts give people of all ages the chance to get active and socialise with others in the community.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said:

It’s fantastic to see public tennis courts returning to the East End of Glasgow. This project is designed to encourage more people to get active by not only offering free access to the courts, but also free coach-led tennis sessions. That’s why we were delighted to support the development through our Sports Facilities Fund.

Working with partners like Glasgow Life and Tennis Scotland allows us to deliver affordable, accessible and sustainable sports facilities where they will make a real difference, right at the heart of communities.

Paul Bennett, Head of Parks Investment Delivery at the LTA, said:

The LTA is proud to be working with Glasgow Life to renovate and grow participation at park tennis facilities across the city, and ensure the sport is accessible to anyone, no matter their age, background, gender, ability or disability.

Following last week’s Davis Cup group stage in Glasgow, and ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in the city in November, it’s terrific that the courts at Garrowhill Park have been officially re-opened to provide more opportunities for people to pick up a racket and get on court.

Information about how to book a court at Garrowhill Park can be found here.