Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
Tennis complex design approved by committee
By Amy Kronenberger
ST. MARYS - The school board's grounds and buildings committee is recommending the full board accept a $332,000 tennis complex design.
The base estimate covers a five-court design, with the courts sitting side-by-side, 12 feet apart. The complex would be 20 feet from the north side of the new school parking lot, off the corner of state Route 66 and Shipman Road.
The cost includes $261,573 for earthwork and asphalt; the remainder for fencing, gates, court surfacing, court striping and equipment. The project would be paid for with leftover funds from the school construction project.
Designers of the complex, MSA Sport in Cincinnati, offered an alternate design that adds a sixth court at a cost of $41,548. St. Marys athletic director Doug Spencer said they would opt for the sixth court if a construction company offered an acceptable bid.
Choosing to build a sixth court likely will eliminate the need for lighting.
"The thought is with six courts (instead of five), you get the matches done more quickly, so there is no need for lighting," Spencer said.
Business manager Kurt Kuffner added that it's cheaper to build the sixth court than to install lighting. MSA did not quote a cost for lighting.
Committee members also looked at another design that staggered the five courts, but school officials objected, saying a coach or teacher would not be able to see all courts.
The chosen design is more expensive than the staggered design because of additional earthwork, MSA architect Bill Baker said. The courts will be placed over an existing detention pond. A new pond will be dug closer to Shipman Road.
Resident Sandy Dove asked if asphalt is the best option.
"Given the climate and the cost benefit, asphalt is the standard and best option," Baker said.
The top layer of the courts will be a four-coat, synthetic chalky mix "with a bit of a bounce," he said.
Committee members will present their chosen option to the full school board on Wednesday. If the board approves, MSA will advertise for bids Nov. 16.
Baker said earthwork could be completed this winter, with asphalt work in early spring. The complex should be finished in May and could last nearly 20 years, he said.
Dove asked what would be done with the old courts at Skip Baughman Stadium. Kuffner said no decision has been made, but he recommends removing the fence and opening it up for parking.
