Cumberland County Schools evaluating two potential locations for new tennis courts at Cumberland County High School as officials move toward restoring the school’s on-campus tennis facilities.
Director of Schools Rebecca Farley said the school board directed her to contact an architect for a feasibility study and cost analysis. Farley said the two leading options involve replacing the parking lot near the auditorium or constructing courts across from the stadium bleachers, behind the track and field facilities.
“I think you will see this board,” Farley said, “Probably within the next budget cycle at least to take some action to get some kind of tennis facility back at Cumberland County High School.”
Farley said the school’s previous tennis courts were removed during construction of the auditorium, leaving student athletes to practice off campus. Farley said the district also considered locations at the community complex and Martin Elementary School, but the two on-campus sites have emerged as the leading possibilities.
Construction costs remain the biggest obstacle. Farley said the district would need to hire outside contractors because school system employees do not have the specialized skills required for the project.
Cumberland County Schools Athletic and Activities Director Nathan Brown said the new courts would also need to meet applicable athletic standards.
“Yeah, that’s a pretty highly specialized set of skills that you would have to have to construct that, to do it correctly with the engineers and whatnot,” Brown said.
Brown said the district previously hired a Minnesota company to complete tennis court improvements at Stone Memorial High School after that company submitted the lowest bid.
Farley said Kim Chamberlain with Upland Design was contacted the morning after the board’s discussion. The district is awaiting information from the architect before bringing the findings back to the board for consideration.
Farley said the board will discuss the results during a work session before deciding whether to proceed with construction. She does not anticipate action before the end of the calendar year.
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for November 9, followed by a November 19 work session and a December 3 meeting.
Farley said she expects the board to consider action toward restoring the tennis courts during the next budget cycle, although no construction cost or completion timeline has been established.