Unanticipated costs have the Board of Selectmen and the Park and Recreation Commission rethinking a plan to remove the cracked asphalt surface of the two tennis courts at Community Field and put down a new asphalt surface. As part of a long-range $2.6 million capital improvements plan for the field, $168,000 has been budgeted for a new surface in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Bringing the planned upgrade into compliance with handicap-accessibility requirements, however, has increased the projected cost to $299,000, the Board of Selectmen learned last week. New asphalt courts would have a life span of 25 years, public works department Assistant Supervisor Brett Seamans told the board. Selectmen and the Park and Recreation Commission, seeking an investment that would last longer, are considering the idea of a reinforced concrete surface at an estimated cost of $447,000. According to Park and recreation Commission member Ray Schmid, the tennis courts are in such bad shape that they may have to be closed to the public. The commission is due to discuss that possibility when it meets Sept. 30.
