With Squash venues reopening after a long lockdown, trying to get people interested in Squash whether they play at a recreational level could prove a challenge, thus outdoor Squash seems an ideal solution to get people playing again.
Following on from the Squash Summit hosted by our good friends, Sportageous – one of the keynote discussions was about outdoor Squash by Carlos Schoenberg of Squash Para Todos and not forgetting the other talk by Alan Thatcher whose Squash 200 initiative of building 200 new courts by 2030.
Already outdoor Squash is becoming popular in the US, so it is for the UK to follow suit given the number of venues that would make great outdoor provisions in certain cities.
Photo credit: NYC Public Squash
Playing Squash in green space
With a lot of talk about people exercising in a green space, playing outdoor Squash is something that interests people who are looking to take up a new outdoor activity – plus younger people to learn about the sport too from a green health perspective.
Now, what if there’s a demand to bring Squash outdoors, to some of the best public parks and venues in the UK?
Let us not forget, that the concept is becoming popular in the US, and with Carlos’s initiative in his native El Salvador taking shape.
So, which areas of the UK are ideal for outdoor squash provision and could enhance the popularity amongst the local residents in areas with strong community links, the construction of two or more outdoor Squash courts:
1. Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Photo credit: Visit Birmingham
Located in an ideal and peaceful location in Birmingham; the park is highly regarded as the premier of all parks in the West Midlands. From looking at the size of the landscape, there is potential to accommodate three decent championship sized courts.
2. Hyde Park, London
Photo credit: Royal Park London
Almost the same size as New York’s Central Park, the prominent landmark in the heart of Central London would be a great place not only for public outdoor Squash courts but could host the first ever championship Squash event.
3. Longford Park, Manchester
Photo credit: Friends of Longford Park
Manchester is the home to England Squash, the national governing body hence outdoor Squash in Longford Park, would be a great way to celebrate the lineage of the sport plus influence more tournaments in the locality too.
4. Battersea Park, London
Photo credit: Unknown
Just a train ride from Hyde Park, in Central London, this South West London park has played host to a Formula E event and has its own sports centre; an outdoor Squash facility would be an excellent addition to this park.
5. Armley Park, Leeds
Photo credit: Leeds City Council
Located on the outskirts of Leeds, this park has sports amenities, including tennis, plenty of green space, and has historical value too, – and also Leeds is home to the Professional Squash Association; so imagine if there was outdoor Squash provision at one of the UK’s most prestigious parks.
6. Crystal Palace Park, London
Photo credit: Unknown
There have been many discussions for decades, about the redevelopment of Crystal Palace Park, as the notion of an entertainment venue. Given its athletic history, it would be better off a sports park, outdoor Squash provision would be great to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre – an activity that is good for your health & wellbeing, in addition, a sport that is very popular in London too.
7. Birkenhead Park, Liverpool
Photo credit: The Guide Liverpool
Squash is very popular in Merseyside, so having outdoor Squash courts could boost the popularity of the sport further at this major public park – which is also home to other sports, notably cricket, football, cycling, and park runs.
These venues would be great places for the local community to mingle over a game of Squash outdoors, especially as the nation has been isolated for over a year.
Final Thoughts
Even though most of the locations mentioned are in London, these places are where Squash is very population amongst communities and have experienced Squash venue closures.
The make outdoor Squash a reality is getting the planning permission to develop the provision; in order to overcome this, a group of Squash lobbyists can influence the local community, along with some large businesses to get behind it could happen.
It is long overdue that Squash is on the same par as Tennis, its racquet cousin that has been available outdoors in public parks for people to enjoy come rain or shine.
With all the initiatives to get people (young or old) into the sport, outdoor squash seems a workable and cost-effective way; and the local government could not have not an issue with it, let alone say no.
If money is an issue, perhaps consider funding coming from commercial enterprises that are associated with Squash or a major sponsor plus players can book a court via the council website.
Outdoor Squash can create more jobs for local people too – especially for more Squash coaches from different backgrounds.
From a grassroots perspective, it would help young people feel more comfortable being outdoors and it would help bring about interesting memories for them – especially if their parents can practice Squash drills with them.
Let’s hope it happens soon.
