By Flora Wade, SHS Student Writer

There has been a lot of action on the south side of Salem High School since the beginning of the school year, and many are wondering what happened to the tennis courts. Those who have seen the courts in recent years know they have needed some reconstruction, and finally their time has come.

Since they were built in the late 1980s, community members and tennis players have used the courts often, but over time they have developed holes and cracks that affected playing and safety for everyone. Support and funds provided a complete redo of the courts allowing construction that started in September. 

¨There were cracks everywhere, and it was difficult to play on certain courts because of the holes,¨ senior Lilli Gilstrap said.

Using post tension concrete, commonly found in parking garages, will prevent the extreme weathering that caused the cracks in previous years. The constant change of heating and cooling caused the courts to spread and crack, the new form of concrete will keep a long lasting stability. 

In addition, the old fences came up from the concrete and started curling inwards causing the balls to roll off the court, as well as rusting that made large holes. 

¨That was another safety issue,” Athletic Director Hank Weedin said. “The other fence we had was starting to curl up really badly… they were rusted and the sharp points were pointing up.¨

After the concrete is poured, a surrounding black fence will be installed.

“The new fences should eliminate anybody getting hurt,” Weedin said.

Hellas Construction, the same company that installed the Jim Ralston Field during this past summer, is putting in the courts. They will use turf on the hills between the courts adding a clean, sleek finish.

After the concrete is set and painted, the courts will be back to community use. There will be a finishing seal that needs to go over the concrete but it must set for at least 48 hours in roughly 72 degree weather, according to Hellas. Conclusively, the official completion of the courts will be in the spring of 2025. 

¨I'm excited to see the final project,¨ girls tennis coach Lisa Nice said. 

Although the boys team did not get much playing time on their home courts this fall, the girls team will have a new experience in their upcoming season. 

¨I am so excited to play on them this spring and I'm very grateful that we´re getting brand new ones for my senior tennis season,¨ Gilstrap said. 

Sophomore tennis player Kinley Howey agreed.

¨I'm very excited for the courts and turf and can't wait to practice and play on them!¨

It is not just a restoration for this upcoming tennis season, but a complete redo for the entire community. Salem will see new and improved tennis courts that will change their game completely.

Photos by SHS Junior Flora Wade.