Surround fencing, court equipment, practice walls, lighting and coverings can enhance a tennis court’s appeal
It’s important to consider the needs of the users to
identify the most suitable surface but whole-life costs and maintenance also need to be taken into account
Current standards The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) has produced a comprehensive Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Tennis Courts, which is supported by the LTA and has a section dedicated to renovation. Where financial support is sought
for the project from sports bodies such as the LTA, there would normally be specific requirements to ensure that courts will conform to their current standards. Advice should therefore be sought directly from the LTA, in the first instance through its County Development Officers, at the outset of the project planning.
Other options Upgrading need not be limited to the playing surface. Other improvements can be considered that will enhance the attractiveness of courts, improve the overall playing experience and thus help to increase the usage and viability of the facility. These include: • Surround fencing and screening • Court equipment and furniture, such as net and net posts, measuring sticks, waste bins, chairs and signage • Practice walls • Court lighting (to improve illumination levels and uniformity) • Court coverings, including non- traditional structures
Issue 4 2010 © cybertrek 2010
Choosing the new surface type Unlike many sports there are numerous surface types to choose from for tennis. In the UK the most common surface is still porous macadam, which is normally painted to improve both performance and aesthetics. This remains the most common surface chosen for public parks and school facilities, where its relatively low cost and year-round usage are par- ticularly important. A wide range of synthetic turf prod-
ucts are available, which are especially popular in the club sector, and in private residences. Then there are the ‘perfor- mance’ surfaces of impervious acrylics (cushioned and non-cushioned), and unbound clays and clay-type systems, which are required where there is a specific need for coaching, training or higher levels of competitive play. Although it is very important to con-
sider the different needs of the users to identify the most suitable tennis court surface, other factors also need to be taken into account, such as whole-life costs, maintenance requirements, usage limitations and longevity.
Expert advice and construction As with any specialist construction project, it is essential to employ expert contractors that fully understand the design and construction of tennis courts. In addition, a proven track record
of past projects and evidence of compe- tency should be also provided. SAPCA’s Tennis Court Division comprises specialist contractors who have been indepen- dently assessed for their quality and competency. The Professional Services Group can be used to select indepen- dent consultants.
Sinking fund provision Consideration should also be given, in any refurbishment plan, to the life- cycle of the product and how much money will need to be invested in a sinking fund to ensure that the court can be kept in optimum condition and the surface replaced at the end of its life. It is no coincidence that the most successful tennis venues are typically the ones with the best facilities, and where effective management and planning enable projects to be delivered successfully. ●
Further guidance The Code of Practice for the Construc- tion and Maintenance of Tennis Courts is available to download for free from the Technical Guidance section of the SAPCA website,
www.sapca.org.uk. Useful information on court renovation is also available from the Lawn Tennis Assocation at
www.lta.org.uk Dr Colin Y
oung is technical and training manager at SAPCA. Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 61
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