Peoria, Ill., high school spends $1 million on new tennis courts

Richwoods High School in Peoria, Ill., is getting nearly $1 million worth of updates to its tennis courts. 

The Journal Star reports that the surfaces on the existing courts at Richwoods were breaking down, mostly because of a poor drainage system. The courts had been patched and resurfaced about a decade ago, but the continuing drainage problems made them a lost cause.

The new tennis area will have six courts like the previous space, and will have a new drainage system.

The fencing will also be lower so players and staff can stand around the courts. A new windscreen, scorekeeping equipment and other items will also be installed. 

Construction was delayed this summer in part because of supply issues caused by the pandemic.

The school had hoped to open its season with a large tournament at the new complex, but that will instead be staged at Dunlap High School while work continues at Richwoods.

Construction is expected to be completed later this month.