Contractor finds unsuitable soils under Methacton High tennis courts; board approves up to $175,000 remedy

When contractor crews milled the surface of the Methacton High School tennis courts they uncovered widespread unsuitable subgrade — organic soils, large branches, tires and other debris — and significant movement during proof‑rolling. Doug Taylor, owner’s representative for the capital project, reported the condition to the board and presented three remediation options with cost estimates: full excavation and stone replacement (higher cost), partial replacement, and a cementitious soil‑stabilization process.

Taylor recommended a 12‑inch cement‑stabilized lift (a scarify‑mix‑replace process used in other local projects) as the most cost‑effective and durable solution. He said a not‑to‑exceed change order for cement stabilization was approximately $175,000; other options he cited would have increased cost to about $282,000–$353,000. The board discussed schedule implications; the contractor must complete paving and allow 30 days of curing before applying the final court acrylic surface, and project milestones were given as substantial completion July 31 and final completion August 8 to meet tennis‑season needs.

Finance and capital‑funding questions were clarified: the work will be charged to the district’s capital projects fund, not the general operating budget. The board voted to approve the change order allowance (not to exceed $175,000) to address unsuitable soils so the project can proceed on a compressed schedule.

Next steps: contractor to proceed with scarify/cement‑stabilization work, then stone and paving; district representatives will monitor progress and report back to the board.