Are you a tennis fan or keen to become more interested in the sport? How about introducing the sport to potential players who live around Pymmes Park?
There is a national initiative by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) called “Barclays Free Park Tennis”. Free of charge, these volunteers-led tennis sessions, gives you the chance to meet new people, enjoy free exercise and practice your tennis skills, in a one-hour session every weekend at 10:00 on a Saturday or a Sunday.
Booking on to Barclays Free Park Tennis is easy – simply search for a park tennis court near you and book your next session on our online booking tool. The link to the Barclays Free Park Tennis website for information and to book onto sessions is: https://www.lta.org.uk/play/free-park-tennis
These sessions aren’t possible without volunteers, known as activators, to oversee them. Activators don’t need any previous coaching experience or even have that much experience playing tennis. In Enfield the operator is called Georgians Tennis in the PArk who will support anyone interested to become a Barclays Free Park Tennis Activator with:
Free online training – giving you all the knowledge and resources you need to run fun sessions at your local park courts
Free tennis equipment – sports bag with rackets, balls, markers, hoodie and everything else you need
Support – Georgians Tennis in the PArk will support you throughout your time as an Activator with ongoing admin and online sessions.
Rewarding – running Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions can be incredibly rewarding and you can take great pride in knowing that your work is making a difference to people’s lives
If you are interested in becoming an activator at one of Enfield’s tennis courts, or at Pymmes Park, please contact tim.harrison@enfield.gov.uk to find out more or contact Enfield’s tennis operator, Georgians Tennis in the Park, at parks@georgianstennisacademy.com
Good news for those of us who aren't happy with LimeBikes being dumped in and around Pymmes Park
The recent growth in the number of Lime Bikes abandoned in Pymmes Park is to be tackled following discussions between the Friends of Pymmes Park and LimeBikes.
The sight of bikes being dumped in the park’s hedges and water areas has become far too common. After representation from FoPP, LimeBike this week dispatched a ‘Ranger’ to retrieve their dumped bikes. The Ranger was also to conduct a thorough assessment of Pymmes Park which would include any other previously reported abandoned bikes in the surrounding area.
Pymmes Park falls within what LimeBike describes as a NPZ ‘No Parking Zone’ for their bikes. Basically, anyone having a bike within that area will face a fine. In order to manage this i.e. to ensure the ongoing maintenance and safety of Pymmes Park, LimeBike have agreed that there will now be a Ranger assigned to conduct weekly inspections of the Park in order to promptly remove any damaged and vandalised vehicles.’
This is an example of how FoPP works hard to keep our park a peaceful haven for local residents.
Updated: Sep 24
Over the last few months there have been some enhancements to Pymmes Park, which are sure to bring even more joy and activity to our beloved green space!
First up, we are excited to introduce a new Bike Library. This initiative is a great place for cyclists to gather, borrow bikes for free, join bike maintenance sessions, rides and share the joy of cycling in Edmonton, and across Enfield. It’s a wonderful chance for both beginners to learn, practice, and explore the park on two wheels. And seasoned cyclists can meet likeminded folk. The bike library and classes are run by the lovely people at Londra Bisiklet Kulübü (London Cycling Club) who you can find on Instagram and Facebook.
In addition, our tennis courts have received a makeover!
The refurbished and resurfaced courts are now ready for action. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to hit a few balls for fun, the newly refreshed courts offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy some sport and stay active. The courts are now accessible with a pin code and remain free of charge 8am-5pm Monday to Friday but a fee is charged after 5pm and on weekends. They are bookable here.
For those who appreciate a stroll along our footpaths, you’ll be pleased to see the newly refurbished edging along the northern bank. This is an improvement long requested by the Friends of Pymmes Park, which enhances the safety and aesthetics of the. Pymmes Lake path.
And let’s not forget our brand-new chess table! We hope this addition will attract both seasoned strategists and enthusiastic newcomers. It's the perfect way to enjoy some intellectual stimulation while soaking in the beauty of the park. It is located on the north side of the Visitor Centre, no need to book but you will need to bring your own chess pieces.
These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to making Pymmes Park a better, vibrant and more welcoming space for everyone. We look forward to seeing you out and about, enjoying all these positive changes have to offer!