Renovated park courts inspire new generation amid Davis Cup action

Davis Cup fever is sweeping through Manchester as the next generation is inspired to pick up a racket and get on the court.

David Lewis Recreation Ground is a 15-minute drive north of the AO Arena, where US Open semi-finalist and British number one Jack Draper has been representing Great Britain alongside Dan Evans, Billy Harris, and doubles stars Henry Patten and Neal Skupski.

David Lewis Rec has recently been transformed thanks to the Park Tennis Project, a £30million initiative funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and delivered by the LTA, which is bringing thousands of park tennis courts back to life for local communities. The courts have undergone a complete refurbishment, with new gates and an online booking platform making access to high-quality tennis facilities easier than ever.

Across Greater Manchester, 160 public park courts are benefitting from a £2.2m UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation investment. In Manchester alone, the LTA has been working with Manchester City Council and Manchester Active to deliver a total investment of £508,985, transforming 42 courts across 15 parks and creating new opportunities for people in communities that have traditionally lacked access to tennis.

On the freshly renovated courts at David Lewis Rec, non-profit organisation the Medicare Foundation has been running free weekly sessions for the community to enjoy tennis, many of whom picking up a racket for the first time.

The Medicare Foundation was founded by Naana Hagan-Cherry, who, along with her husband Alex, has been using the shiny new courts to raise awareness for an issue close to the hearts of many of those within the community.

“The Medicare Foundation was set up by Naana, who served for 13 years in