Fox Chapel Area High School tennis courts are off-limits this summer for extensive renovation but will reopen by fall, in time for the boys tennis team to make a fifth consecutive run for the section title.
“The courts are part of the tradition of excellence of our high school tennis teams,” said Bonnie Berzonski, district coordinator of communications.
New courts, she said, will help to solidify and continue that tradition moving forward.
But the courts also are widely used by the entire community. So popular is the facility that a complete replacement is necessary.
The cost is expected to be about $570,000.
Kilbuck-based VS&H Construction was awarded the contract. In addition to court replacement, work will include a new fence and nets, shade canopies, site work and drainage.
The project began in mid-May and is expected to be completed by mid-August.
Six courts, which sit behind the high school, were installed in 2002. They received a top recoat about 10 years ago but had outlived their usefulness, Berzonski said.
Once the court surfaces are redone, they must be given time to cure before they can be reopened. Even when work appears to be completed, it may not be done, Berzonski said. Signs will be posted.
The district looks forward to opening the courts for recreational use by the entire community, she said.