District staff told the Berwick Area School District board they had obtained preliminary quotes last year for tennis courts and a track and recommended beginning the architect selection process so plans will be ready if the district applies for a USTA grant.

The superintendent said prior quotes for resurfacing or rebuilding tennis courts ranged roughly from $275,000 to $350,000 (figures discussed in the meeting were approximate) and that a USTA grant, if awarded, could provide up to $200,000 toward a tennis-court project. Staff explained the grant application requires prepared drawings and asked the board if it wanted to begin soliciting architects with experience in athletic facilities.

Board members discussed site suitability, subgrade testing and construction costs. A board member said the existing site might not have optimal ground conditions and recommended soil testing before committing funds so the district does not have to rebuild the base within a few years.

The superintendent said he would reach out to multiple firms and bring quotes for architect services to the board for review. The board did not approve any construction work at Tuesday’s meeting; staff said preparations for a grant application and architect selection would proceed if the board agreed to solicit proposals.