News Summary

The Austin School Board has approved the construction of a new tennis complex at Austin High School, with a budget of $1,437,000. This state-of-the-art facility will feature six courts and is intended to provide a safer practice environment for students, reducing the need to travel to Point Mallard Park for training. Construction is set to begin soon, with completion hoped to be ready before the next school year. The new complex is a significant step towards improving the athletics program at the school.

Austin High School Tennis Complex Construction Approved by School Board

Austin is buzzing with excitement as the local school board has green-lighted the construction of a brand-new tennis court complex at Austin High School. This major announcement comes after a meeting where board members unanimously decided to take a big step forward for the school’s tennis program and its dedicated athletes.

Getting Things Rolling

The winning bid for this exciting project was put forth by Baseline Sports Construction, a company hailing from Tennessee. With an approved bid amount of $1,437,000, the construction promises to create a state-of-the-art facility right on the Austin High campus. This news is particularly welcome for students who currently have to travel approximately 20 minutes to Point Mallard Park just to practice their tennis skills.

Superintendent Michael Douglas has voiced concerns about the safety implications of young drivers heading out to Point Mallard, stating that having the courts at school will provide a safer environment for these budding athletes. Being able to practice on-site will not only enhance their training but also keep them closer to home.

Construction Details

The new complex will boast six tennis courts, situated conveniently just off an existing parking lot at Austin High School. It’s not just about building courts; the big plans involve some serious construction work. Crews will be busy with tasks that include grading the site, putting in the essential electrical infrastructure for lighting, fine grading, and finally, laying down asphalt.

After the basic structure is set, the construction team will add perimeter fencing, followed by color coating the playing surfaces, and don’t forget those crucial sidewalks and striping for the courts. All of these features are designed to create a top-notch playing environment that students will love.

Financing the Complex

Funding for this ambitious endeavor is made possible through state capital funds. Initially, the school district had set aside $1 million for the project, meaning that they found additional resources to cover the extra costs. This enhanced budget suggests a strong commitment to providing Austin High School athletes with the best facilities they can get.

Timeline for Construction

Construction is set to kick off as soon as ground conditions allow. While there has been some delay due to the saturated ground, once everything is ready to go, the contract allows for 150 days of construction. This timeline indicates that students could potentially have their new court complex ready before the next school year begins, greatly enhancing their training and competition experience.

Student Impact

The hope is that this new tennis complex will significantly improve the daily routine for Austin High School athletes. Not only will it offer a safe and close location for practice, but it may also encourage more students to pick up the sport. As the court complex takes shape, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air, with students dreaming of the days they can step onto their brand new courts.

The current construction material market does come with its ups and downs, which might affect timing and costs as things progress. Nevertheless, the local community stands firmly behind this project, eager to support their young athletes and help tennis grow in Austin.

As we await updates on construction work, it’s clear that the approval of the tennis complex is a win for everyone involved—especially the students who will soon have a fantastic place to play and compete!

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