麻豆社

Access to play, sport and nature shouldn鈥檛 be taken for granted. Join comedian Tony Hawks as he explores the barriers shaping how we play in the UK, and why it matters to us all.

Free tennis courts or better tennis courts? Turn up and play or book ahead and pay? When it comes to our public tennis courts, it seems we can't have it all. In episode two, Tony continues his exploration of play and accessibility in Britain by focusing on a growing debate around public tennis courts - should they remain free and open, or become bookable, gated, and pay-to-use spaces in exchange for better facilities? Using tennis as a lens for wider questions about public space, community and participation, Tony investigates what happens when access to play becomes managed and controlled.

After finding locked tennis courts at his local park, Tony investigates the LTA鈥檚 拢45 million Park Tennis Project, which has refurbished public courts across the UK. Some local councils say the funding has helped prevent courts from falling into decline, and supporters welcome the introduction of an hourly fee in return for cleaner, safer facilities and reliable booking systems.

In Exeter, however, the council chose not to join the scheme, keeping courts free and open without gates or online booking. Though worn, the courts remain busy with casual players and families. Critics argue booking systems can create barriers for beginners and lower-income users. Coach Mike Patterson says the courts remain a vital social space, while former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash warns that too many obstacles risk putting young people off the sport entirely.

Ultimately, this episode is not just about tennis. Tony reflects on how public spaces for play shape communities, support health, and encourage social connection. The central question becomes not simply whether courts should be free or well maintained, but how society can balance accessibility, safety and inclusion in the places where people come together to play.

Presenter: Tony Hawks

Producer: Guy Natanel

Assistant Producer: Lauren Lewis

Executive Producers: Shannon Delwiche and Chris Jones

Composer: Pat Moran

Sound Mixer: David Crackles

A Sound and Bones production for 麻豆社 Radio 4

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