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District officials say Somerville High tennis courts need full rebuild; temporary repairs proposed while design and funding proceed
Summary
District facilities staff told the board April 14 that Somerville High School’s tennis courts are failing and that wetlands, drainage and code requirements have pushed reconstruction estimates to $1.5–$2.0 million, far above an earlier $600,000 budget.
Parents and a facilities official told the Dorchester County School District 2 board on April 14 that the district’s Somerville High School tennis courts are in poor condition and likely will require a full reconstruction that cannot be completed before the girls’ season in August.
Local resident Ben Hop, speaking during public comments, told the board the district had promised new courts “would be ready for the ladies tennis season,” and said families and coaches have heard little since last fall. “Summerville Tennis Players, Coaches, and supporters want to be reassured by this board that the tennis courts will be ready for this girls season in August,” Hop told trustees.
Facilities staff reported that the current courts are failing, sit in an area with wetlands, and require substantial civil work to meet current codes. Mr. Jeff Smith told the board the district completed soil and geotechnical testing and that a new layout had been designed, but the move from initial budgeting to construction-level estimates increased the expected cost from about $600,000 to between $1.5 million and $2.0 million.
Smith said the existing courts will need to be demolished and returned to natural wetlands as part of required drainage and permitting work, and that the new courts will require construction of stormwater retention and ADA access. He noted the design work is still in progress and permitting and procurement will take time, so a full rebuild cannot start immediately even if funding were available.
Because of the timing and the cost increase, facilities recommended a temporary repair option — reseal and repaint the existing courts — to improve playability for the coming season while the permanent design and permitting continue. Smith said the reseal and repaint work could be completed over the summer but described it as a non‑ideal, short‑term measure.
The facilities team also identified Fort Dorchester High School as having courts that need similar attention; the district proposed including both sites in short‑term repairs while pursuing long‑term construction funding for Somerville.
Board members asked follow‑up questions about drainage, standing water, and whether temporary resurfacing could be combined with improved drainage. Smith said the sub‑surface conditions and historic wetlands have been the primary drivers of both the higher estimate and the construction complexity.
No formal vote on funding or a change in scope was taken at the meeting. Facilities staff said they would finalize designs, continue permitting, and return with cost and funding recommendations once design and OSF (Office of School Facilities) review are complete.
