July 3, 2024

Construction workers prep new tennis courts at Atlantic City High School.

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City High School students will discover brand-new tennis courts in the Dr. Jack Eisenstein Athletic Complex when school reopens in September. 

Atlantic City Public Schools Director of Secondary Education Donald Harris said new facilities improve both safety and morale. “Upgrading sports facilities like our tennis courts is crucial for fostering a positive and conducive environment for athletic development,” said Harris. “Modern facilities not only enhance the performance and safety of our athletes but also instill a sense of pride and motivation in the entire school community.” 

The project, which is expected to cost approximately $1.5 million, includes new tennis net posts, nets, painting and striping. Less visible, but equally important aspects of the project include demolition, soil erosion and sediment control, 11 square yards (about the area of an apartment bedroom) of concrete, and subsurface improvements. “The investment in upgrading the tennis courts is a testament to our district’s commitment to the athletics program,” Harris said. “This project, along with other initiatives, underscores our dedication to nurturing our student athletes and providing them with the resources they need to excel. We believe in the power of sports to shape character and build a community, and these upgrades are a significant step in that direction.” 

The school district is replacing the high school’s old tennis courts with new ones built with post-tensioned concrete slabs that help prevent cracks from forming and slow the spread of cracks that will inevitably develop from exposure to the elements. 

Atlantic City High School tennis courts are replaced with Post-tension slab construction.

If cracks form on post-tensioned slabs, they are held together and do not spread as quickly as those on traditional foundation slabs. That means post-tensioned slabs are a more durable solution. “It’s a new design,” said Atlantic City Public Schools Facilities Manager Kurt Austin. “They removed the existing surface and poured 10 inches of cement.”

Post-tensioned concrete slab construction helps prevent cracks from forming and spreading.

All 10 tennis courts will be replaced. The project began on June 24, 2024, and is expected to be completed on September 1, 2024. “Having new tennis courts will undoubtedly improve the experience for our student athletes. High-quality courts mean better training conditions, reduced risk of injuries, and a more professional atmosphere for both practices and competitions,” Harris said. “This upgrade will help our athletes hone their skills and achieve their full potential.” 

The school district is making many capital improvements under the 2024-2025 budget. The tennis courts, however, were approved in September 2023 as part of the 2023-2024 spending plan. “We are thrilled about the upgrades to our tennis courts. These improvements reflect our dedication to providing top-notch facilities for our students, allowing them to train and compete at their best,” Harris said. “It’s an exciting time for our athletic program, and we can’t wait to see our students benefit from these enhancements.”