Residents in Sittingbourne can now take advantage of free tennis sessions at King George Playing Fields, with the programme returning for the community this spring. Organised by Swale Borough Council, the initiative offers local families and individuals a way to get active and try the sport without the cost of club membership fees.
The sessions, which will run on the first Sunday of every month throughout the year, are open to people of all ages and ability levels. Trained tennis activators from Sittingbourne Tennis Club lead the one-hour activities, and all necessary equipment is provided for those attending. The next session is set for 3 May 2026 at 10 am.
This programme is part of a partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to encourage the use of recently improved facilities. Following a total investment of £156,991.54, which included funding from the UK Government, the council, and the LTA Tennis Foundation, seven tennis courts were upgraded at King George Playing Fields and Milton Recreation Ground. These improvements included new surfaces, fencing, nets, and gate access technology.
Councillor Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee at Swale Borough Council, noted that previous sessions were well received by the community. She highlighted that many residents used the opportunity to pick up a racket for the first time.
The King George V Playing Field has a long history in the area, having first opened as a public space in 1937. By providing these accessible sessions, the council aims to continue the park’s tradition as a hub for local health and outdoor activity.
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