ADAMS TWP — Mars Area High School officials are preparing to finalize work on the district’s new tennis courts later this month.

During a work session meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, board members approved a change order for the installation of a new bleacher pad with Dun Rite Construction and Paving at a cost of $7,500.

Following a brief delay caused by an issue with the poles, officials plan to hold a final walk-through of the new courts on Wednesday, Sept. 17, when the project is expected to be complete.

“The posts are up and they’re finishing doing all of the exterior work,” superintendent Mark Gross said. “They have to do the painting and that painting needs some time to dry.”

Additionally, Gross said a new windscreen will be installed and crews will need to reset the bleachers before unveiling the project.

Despite the girls tennis season already being in full swing, Gross said he hopes the team can utilize the courts at some point this season.

“The goal is to get them on at least once,” he said. “We were speaking the other day about it and we think there’s an opportunity to get them on one time.”

The construction of five new courts and lighting began in mid-April. At that time, Dun Rite Construction and Paving was awarded the general construction contract worth $537,600. The school board also awarded a $101,400 contract for electrical work around the tennis courts to Westmoreland Electrical Group.

Officials are also planning out a timeline for when to rebid for the elementary school project after several bids came in over budget earlier this year.

“We’re still planning on a presentation and to hopefully get the new and updated specs out to bid in late September or early October at the latest,” Gross said.

According to Gross, the modifications that will be included in the presentation aren’t “huge” and the overall design “really isn’t going to change” from what was originally presented to the board.