During the summer months Edinburgh Leisure carried out a major refurbishment of the tennis courts at the Meadows.
In April, the charity along with The City of Edinburgh Council began a comprehensive upgrade of all 16 outdoor courts, including resurfacing, repainting, and the installation of new posts and nets.
The phased approach ensured that at least six courts remained open throughout the works, allowing players to continue enjoying the game.
On Thursday the newly refurbished courts were officially reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Leon Smith, OBE, Davis Cup Captain and proud Edinburgh local. Smith also joined pupils from Preston Street and Sciennes Primary Schools for tennis drills, supported by S6 pupils from James Gillespie’s High School, showing them that power is not always needed when hitting the ball. He showed the young players that a simple tap of the ball to their partners would mean longer rallies between them.
Leon said: “A park court like this is really, really important. It’s cheap, it’s accessible. I am from Edinburgh and we use this park all the time. If you can jump on a court like this with your family then it is brilliant.”
Smith was Andy Murray’s second coach and for the last 15 years he has been captain of the Davis Cup team. He explained: “Judy was his first coach but I spent a number of years with Andy during his teenage years. I have then kept a relationship with him all the way through because I am the Davis Cup captain for Britain. We just had a tie last weekend against Poland – in Poland – and managed to win that one to keep us in the World group which is the top tier.”
Smith agreed that to get players of calibre it all starts on courts like The Meadows. He said: “The Lawn Tennis Association, the government are putting money in. We saw the launch this week of schools tennis trying to get every single school playing tennis. It’s a big investment, but it’s important to get kids involved whatever sport it is. We love tennis – to get exposure to it early, to get moving and to get active that is why we need courts – especially park courts.”
The Meadows was recognised as Tennis Scotland’s Park of the Year 2024, and the courts continue to offer open access to players of all levels, with no club membership required. The floodlit courts are open seven days a week and host a wide range of coaching programmes for young players – from toddlers to teens – helping nurture the next generation of tennis talent.
Alex Harkins, Tennis Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “The Meadows has always been a special place for tennis in Edinburgh, and this refurbishment ensures it remains a top-class facility for years to come. We’re proud to offer inclusive, accessible tennis opportunities for everyone – from complete beginners to aspiring young athletes. Seeing the courts buzzing with activity again is fantastic.”
With the new term in full swing, the upgraded courts are set to serve up even more opportunities for recreation, and competition, in the heart of the city.
The newly completed courts can be booked on the Club Spark app from October.
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadows-tennis/
