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Dorchester 02 may delay full rebuild of high school tennis courts after cost estimate rises to $1.5–$2 million
Summary
Dorchester 02 facilities staff told the April 14, 2025, committee that the district’s earlier $600,000 placeholder for a complete tennis-court rebuild is now likely insufficient because of wetlands remediation, required ADA access, stormwater work and related permitting.
Dorchester 02 facilities staff told the April 14, 2025, committee that the district’s earlier $600,000 placeholder for a complete tennis-court rebuild is now likely insufficient because of wetlands remediation, required ADA access, stormwater work and related permitting.
"We had initially set aside about $600,000 to do that complete rebuild of the courts. After discussing with the design firm, looks like it's gonna be probably between 1.5 and $2,000,000 just because of the all of the remediation you have to do for the wetlands," said the project manager (Speaker 5). The staff presentation noted the district must restore old court areas to a natural setting, add ADA access and create new stormwater retention as part of a full rebuild, which drives the higher cost estimates.
Staff told the committee they do not currently have funds allocated for a full rebuild and instead proposed a shorter-term approach: reseal and repaint courts to restore playability for one to two years while pursuing funding and design work for a long-term solution. "Our recommendations would be is to reseal or repaint both courts so they're playable," the project manager said. The district also noted that Fort Dorchester’s courts show cracking and that identical stormwater-rise conditions at other campuses may require more extensive work.
Committee members discussed funding sources and timing; staff described the project as a two- to three-year window for major work if larger capital funds can be identified because 8% capital funds had been largely allocated elsewhere. Staff said design and permitting are not complete and that a full rebuild before the next season is unlikely even under an accelerated schedule.
No formal vote was taken; staff will present options and cost estimates as design and permitting progress.
Ending: Short-term reseal/paint is recommended to sustain playability while staff pursue design, permitting and funding for a longer-term rebuild.
