On Aug. 8, Mars Area School Board received its first look at proposed options for renovating and expanding the tennis courts at Mars Area High School.  

In June, the Board approved a $8,697.14 project to repair the existing tennis courts, prior to the start of the fall sports season.

“They sealed the cracks and painted lines just to get us through,” said Dr. Mark Gross, superintendent. “Ultimately, the courts are almost irreparable”

The first option for the proposed project would include a total of five tennis courts, said Nancy Lonnett Roman, principal and CEO of Pashek+MTR. The three existing parallel courts would be completely replaced; and, on the western side, two new courts would be added.

The project would require the removal of the basketball courts and the separated tennis court as well as a reconfiguration of the school’s parking areas and traffic lanes, said Roman. Any loss of parking would be regained in a new parking area that would be located between the new tennis court complex and Route 228.

The total cost of the proposed project, including all changes to the high school parking lots, stormwater management, lighting and additional costs, would be approximately $1.87 million.

A second option for the proposed project would be similar to the first, but with only one new tennis court added for a total of four courts, said Roman. The project would require fewer changes to the high school’s parking areas and traffic configurations; however, the reduced project would only yield a savings of approximately $115,000 from the first option.

The Board is continuing its consideration of the proposed project. For more information, call (724) 625-1518.