Waterford RTM approves $2.4M project to upgrade high school tennis courts, turf field

Waterford ― The Representative Town Meeting on Monday voted to designate $2.4 million from the town’s unassigned fund balance for two projects for the high school ― replacement of the turf field and six new tennis courts.

The RTM designated each project’s cost at $1.2 million. Those figures were based on quotes from a company that previously patched the courts, and from several turf field companies, school officials said.

But the projects will still have to be put out to bid before actual costs are known. At that time, the project will have to return to the RTM before any money can be spent.

Both projects have been in the school board’s capital plan for several years, but have gone unfunded, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard said.

When RTM member Tim Fioravanti asked whether the tennis courts will be usable by next season, Giard said he’s not certain.

“I’m not being an alarmist ― I’m not convinced, depending on the winter, if these courts will be playable this spring,” Giard said. “So I have instructed my athletic director to find alternative sites for home matches, because I’m not convinced they’re going to be usable.”

He said the replacement of the courts will likely be a summer project. He could not be reached immediately for a timeline for the turf field replacement.

d.drainville@theday.com