Danville locks middle school tennis courts after insurer warns of safety, liability risks

Buildings and grounds staff told the board the district will lock and post signage at the middle school tennis courts after receiving a letter from the school’s insurance representative that described unsafe conditions and liability concerns.

Mister Brown, buildings and grounds staff, read the insurer’s letter aloud to trustees: “Please accept this correspondence and follow-up to a meeting held on October 27 or 08/27/2025 to discuss the unsafe conditions and potential hazards associated with the deterioration, severe cracking, and drainage issues present at the middle school tennis courts. The damaged court surface has rendered the courts unplayable and unsafe for any public or school use. The pres this presents a significant potential liability risk for the district, and they are asking that we officially take the courts out of service.”

Brown thanked the volunteer and career firefighters who assisted with flood testing of the courts and who helped identify sections requiring repair. He named the crew members who assisted in the test and inspection work and said the new high‑school courts are open, while the middle‑school courts will be locked for safety.

Staff described three likely long-term options: 1) chain and leave the courts closed (creating an eyesore), 2) pursue community fundraising or grants to repair the courts, or 3) remove the courts to eliminate the hazard. Brown said the district will notify the community of the closure through district communications.

The buildings and grounds presentation also mentioned a pending payment application from Converse Consultants, which performed geotechnical compaction testing for the tennis-court work, and the district is awaiting final documentation from contractor Keystone to close the high-school court payments.

No immediate capital repair vote was taken; staff said they will return with cost estimates and options for board consideration.