Two more tennis courts at Swanage Tennis Club in Dorset, have been resurfaced with astro turf after the club raised £39,000 which includes a £15,000 contribution from Swanage Town Council.
The significant investment in the sporting facilities now means there are a total of five astro turf tennis courts in Beach Gardens located just off De Moulham Road, which also boasts an 18 hole pitch and putt course, the Swanage Bowling Club, a basketball court, and tearooms.
The official opening with the mayor getting a helping hand from some junior tennis club members
Ribbon cutting ceremony
On hand to officially open the two new courts on Tuesday 7th April 2026 were Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield and his deputy Chris Tomes, along with the club’s chair Phil Stevens, plus tennis club members including some rising stars of the future.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Swanage Tennis Club Phil Stevens said:
“This is a big benefit to the club and I’d like to thank the council for its support. The new astro turf surface is much easier on the joints and generally most club members feel that it plays better. It’s very hard wearing and drains well which makes it practical all year round.
“The tennis club is a real gem right by the sea and was part of why I moved to Swanage a few years ago. It’s many people’s retirement dream to live by the coast and to have such good tennis courts is a real bonus.
“We’re also slowly building up the junior section and we have a great coach Ryan Trickey who is doing a good job encouraging the local schools to get involved in tennis.
“We always fight against other sports like football and cricket to attract younger members but it’s only £20 a year for under 18s to join the tennis club – anyone who is interested would be warmly welcomed!”
The tennis club’s new chair Phil Stevens says the courts are a real gem right by the sea
The club’s coach Ryan Trickey officially tests out the new astro turf with a junior club member
The tennis club is small and friendly but enjoys a bit of cup competition at times
Schools competition
Every year the tennis club runs a competition for the local schools so the facilities can be enjoyed by the wider community.
Beach Gardens Sports Park is owned by Swanage Town Council and 12 percent of the tennis club’s membership money is paid to the council. In return the council helps to maintain the facilities in partnership with the club.
In 2016, the first two courts were astro turfed, with a third converted to astro turf in 2022. The fourth and fifth courts were also astro turfed in March 2026, although this was slightly delayed by wet weather.
The money for resurfacing the fourth and fifth court was achieved by the tennis club fundraising about £24,000 and the council contributing £15,000.
Anyone who wishes to play tennis at Beach Gardens doesn’t need to join the club to play, they can just book a court in advance for a small charge at the Tea on the Green cafe or at the Swanage Information Centre on Shore Road.
There is a sixth tennis court and a basketball court which it’s hoped will be improved in the future.
The 18 hole pitch and putt course is looking good for the new summer season
Tea on the Green – a great place for refreshments away from the crowds but only a few minutes from the beach
The Swanage Bowling Club is also located within the Beach Gardens Sports Park
Important for the wellbeing of local residents
Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield said:
“Ensuring that Beach Gardens and the tennis courts are properly maintained is extremely important for the wellbeing of local residents. It’s also a major venue for visitors who can enjoy the sporting facilities as an alternative to the beach.
“The council has also invested in improving the Tea on the Green cafe which is proving a very popular summer location for refreshments away from the crowds.
“It’s been a pleasure to liaise with the tennis club who have been working really well together to deliver the refurbishment of the tennis courts.
“As a council, as well as investing in Beach Gardens, we have supported the skate park at King George’s playing fields, transformed two children’s playgrounds in Swanage, and are working towards a new sports centre and 3G pitch at the football club.
“If the community can prove there is a need for better facilities then the council does try to ensure that those needs are met.
“Our council officers have worked incredibly hard to provide two more astro turf tennis courts and I thank them for all that they do – there is always so much that goes on behind the scenes to ensure such success!”
An alternative to the beach for those who enjoy a bit of a sporting challenge
The sixth tennis court and the basketball court which is very popular with local youngsters, could be the next to be improved if the funding can be raised
Further information