Parents and board debate safety of district tennis courts as repairs are considered
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Summary
Board members, staff and community members raised safety concerns about cracked outdoor tennis courts and discussed a timeline for design approval to enable repairs this summer; staff said an insurance assessment could determine immediate safety and that delaying design work would postpone repairs into the next season.
Parents and board members urged action on deteriorating outdoor tennis courts after community speakers described extensive cracks and questioned whether the courts are safe for students.
An audience member who identified himself as the father of a girls’ coach said the courts were "bad" and that visiting teams have raised concerns about playing there. Board members asked whether the district must approve design work now to complete repairs ahead of summer; a staff speaker said that moving forward with design approval this meeting would allow repairs this summer, but delaying approval would likely push work into or after the playing season.
Staff advised that an insurance company or a professional inspection would be needed to determine whether the courts should be closed for safety reasons; they cautioned that players can be injured on any surface but that specific hazard assessments require an expert review. Board members expressed concern about scheduling impacts and potential extra costs if matches must be relocated.
No formal resolution to close courts or to approve construction funding was passed at the meeting. Board members affirmed they would consider approving design work promptly if the board chooses to prioritize repairs in the capital plan.
The board did not adopt a specific construction timetable at this meeting; members said they will take the safety concerns into account in upcoming facility planning and during the next work session.