New Padel courts open in Darlington as details about the new facilities revealed
The courts, developed by Padel Project UK, are located at Darlington RFC on Grange Road and are expected to attract players of all ages and…
The courts, developed by Padel Project UK, are located at Darlington RFC on Grange Road and are expected to attract players of all ages and abilities.
The facility features outdoor courts with floodlights, allowing games to take place throughout the day and into the evening.
Bookings are now open, with courts available from 8am to 10pm every day.
The Padel courts are based at Blackwell Meadows in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Equipment can be hired on-site, with rackets available for £4 per hour and balls for purchase.
Pricing for court bookings is £28 per hour during peak times, which include weekday evenings and weekends, and £24 per hour during off-peak hours.
Built on part of an existing car park and unused grassland, the courts were developed with accessibility in mind.
Changing rooms and toilets are available during clubhouse hours, and the site offers free parking and wheelchair access.
Padel tennis, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is played in an enclosed court where the ball can rebound off walls.
The new courts aim to increase opportunities for the community to participate in sports, with a no-membership policy designed to encourage inclusivity.
Alongside normal bookings, there are plans for after-school sessions, holiday camps, and evening classes to engage both children and adults.
Specific groups, including girls aged 14-18 and people with disabilities, will be targeted through partnerships with the local council.
A spokesperson for Padel Project UK said the new facility provides a much-needed boost for sports in the area.
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“The courts will enable more people to try padel tennis, whether for social play, coaching, or tournaments. We’re excited to see how the community will benefit from this addition," the spokesperson added.
The courts, located at Darlington RFC, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, are now open and available for booking.
The project is expected to create a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and help establish padel tennis as a popular activity in the region.