New West Hartford Tennis Courts Done By October

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's top elected board has given the acting town manager the go-ahead to do what's necessary to build 12 new tennis courts each at Conard and Hall high schools.

If all goes well, they could be done by October, town officials said.

The West Hartford Town Council voted unanimously 10-0 Tuesday to authorize West Hartford Acting Town Manager Rick Ledwith to formally accept state funds and sign off on any documents required for the project.

On March 31, the State Bond Commission awarded the Town of West Hartford $3 million for the 24 total tennis courts.

Hall High School is at 975 N. Main St., which Conard High School is at 110 Beechwood Road.

The project will not only include new courts at the high schools, but any associated fencing, lighting, netting, landscaping and other amenities.

Ledwith said West Hartford's representation in the legislature, along with the governor's office, allowed for the funding award, which now means taxpayers will not have to bond for the project.

"Thanks to the collaboration of our West Hartford delegation, we were able to receive 100 percent funding for this project from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection," Ledwith told councilors.

The project is now expected to go out to bid this month and be finished by October, well in time for the 2023 high school tennis season, which is in the spring.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, though, emphasized this is more than just a project for the high schools, as anyone will be able to utilize the courts off school hours

"It's something that benefits not only our high school athletes, but the whole community," she said.

To watch the June 14 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

To see the June 14 West Hartford Town Council agenda and accompanying documents on this topic, visit this link.