Lewes tennis, basketball courts set to be replaced

The tennis and basketball courts at Lewes Canalfront Park are set for replacement this summer.

Mayor and city council approved a bid of $142,415 from American Tennis Corp. to completely replace the existing pavement with a higher-quality surface.

Unlike the previous court that was made up of asphalt, the new courts will use a composite material that offers a slightly cushioned feel for players. The Premier Court system is a patented surface that is designed to last longer than a standard tennis or basketball court surface. It comes with a 25-year warranty and requires maintenance every five years, estimated at $13,000. The existing courts last received minor maintenance in 2015 at a cost of $16,500. 

The earliest the project could begin is June because ideal weather for installation is 70 to 80 degrees, said city engineer Charlie O’Donnell. It should take about two weeks to complete the project, he said. 

The project is included in the city’s 2021-22 budget, and will be aided by a $73,000 matching grant from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Parks and Recreation.