SOLIHULL Council has signed a partnership with Table Tennis England to jointly fund new outdoor permanent table tennis tables in parks across the borough.
The aim is to make table tennis more accessible and increase the opportunities for local residents to be more be active.
The initiative will mean allow anyone can play for free.
The tables are to be installed this spring and they will be open for public use once Covid restrictions allow.
The Council is currently surveying its parks to find the most suitable sites.
The project is part of Solihull Active’s ‘Solihull on the Move’, an initiative to create healthier, stronger and more sustainable communities through physical activity and sport.
Councillor Joe Tildesley, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport, said: “This is a fabulous project, which I’m sure will prove to be very popular when the Covid restrictions allow.
“We know our parks are popular and here is another incentive to enjoy a walk as well as taking part in a sport.
“Long term, our hope is that we can encourage communities and local table tennis clubs to get involved and support the project by volunteering and providing group social sessions wherever possible.
“We’re really grateful to Table Tennis England for their support and together I hope we will see more people enjoying the sport, getting fitter and making friends.”
Colin Eley, partnerships manager at Table Tennis England, added: “The flexible nature of the sport means we can look forward to creating a wide range of different ways to play, whether competitively or socially, for people from all walks of life.
“Sharing the same passion, we’re excited to be working closely with Solihull Active to take ‘Ping Pong to the People’ and to help everyone get ‘more active, more often’.
“As restrictions ease, we look to welcome people back into outdoor public spaces and playing on the tables.”
