Construction of the community tennis courts officially started August 21, after the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District board of trustees awarded bids to E.M. Wood Construction of Boothbay and Maine Tennis and Track of Gray.

When the crumbling courts along Route 27 fell into disrepair last year, the board of trustees discussed the installation of three new courts positions between the softball and baseball fields on the schools' southwestern part of the campus. 

The trustees authorized Superintendent Eileen King to borrow $393,000 to pay for the site preparation and tennis court installation. The bulk of the site preparation will be handled by E.M. Wood Construction at an estimated cost of $272,500, which includes tree clearing, blasting ledge, drainage, backfilling the subgrade and concrete work.

Maine Tennis and Track will install the final top layer of asphalt and an acrylic playing surface at a price of $90,237, bringing the total estimated cost of the project to $362,737.

The plan calls for three courts, 120 feet long and 160 feet wide, that are scheduled to be completed by fall. While the tennis courts will be visible from the road and remain open for the community, the courts will be off limits during the school day when school is in session, according to King. 

While an additional $30,263 will be set aside for a contingency fund if needed, other financial options remain available. According to Boothbay Region High School tennis coach Alex Arsenault, the United States Tennis Association will fund a project up to $50,000 if specialized youth tennis lines are painted on the court's surface.

Additionally a community development/education grant could be available, according to King, while private fundraising will cover the costs of spectator benches and other amenities.

The construction of the new tennis courts signifies the start of a long-term vision for Boothbay Region schools' campus that encompasses both the existing facilities and future goals such as a full-size running track and soccer field.

Hammond Lumber donates land

Hammond Lumber has agreed to donate the two acres of land in Boothbay Harbor that abuts the north end of the schools' property and the lumber business.

The land is seen as an important acquisition that could expand parking and provide access to future facilities such as a sports fields and a running track, according to trustee Kevin Anthony.

The trustees said donations from the the community to support the new tennis courts will be graciously accepted.

Check can be made out to the Boothbay Region Education Foundation at 51 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.