Needham High School Tennis Court and Site Improvement Project

Significant progress was made on the NHS Tennis Court project throughout April. Demolition activities, including the removal of trees and the existing fencing, were completed early in the month, followed by the installation of a construction fence. Earthwork dominated much of the effort, beginning with topsoil stripping and continuing with the pulverization and reclamation of the old court surfaces to be reused in the subbase. Coordination with the Water Department also began, leading to the delivery of water line materials and on-site discussions regarding utility relocation. A stone wall mockup was delivered and subsequently approved, allowing masonry planning to advance. Toward the end of the month, trenching for the water main installation commenced, while earthwork operations near the drainage areas remained ongoing. Overall, April marked a strong start to the project’s foundational phases.

The NHS Tennis Court project saw continued advancement through May, with key milestones achieved despite weather-related delays. Early in the month, the water main installation was completed, and excavation reached subgrade across much of the site, including the westerly and northerly portions. Wall footing excavation and placement proceeded as scheduled, and rough grading efforts moved to the southerly end. Tree trimming was also conducted to clear working areas. Rain significantly impacted the week of May 16, requiring extensive pumping to remove standing water and resulting in the postponement of the water main tie-in. However, the connection was successfully completed the following week. By the end of the month, wall construction was finalized, and site grading efforts continued, keeping the project moving forward toward the next phase of development.

June saw major progress on utility connections, court construction, and site infrastructure. Water testing was successfully completed, and the final water line connection was made and flushed. Significant work occurred at the courts, including completion of formwork, tendon installation, concrete placement, and post-tensioning to lift the slabs off the ground. Measures were taken to ensure proper curing of the concrete, and by month’s end, post-tensioning was nearly complete. Storm drain installation progressed throughout the site, along with the addition of concrete sidewalks and seating areas. Chain link fence posts began to be installed, ACO drains were delivered, and finish grading neared completion. Formwork also began for the perimeter concrete curbing, marking continued advancement of hardscape elements.

In July, substantial progress was made on drainage, hardscaping, and fencing. Chain link fence post installation was completed early in the month, and finish grading across the site was finalized. Formwork for the perimeter concrete curbing was completed, followed by installation of the curbs themselves. Drainage work continued steadily, including installation of area drains, large drain structures, and the channel drain system. Excavation and installation of the detention basins were completed, with filter fabric placed and backfilling underway. Access manholes were also set in place, and work progressed on backfilling the subsurface drainage system, marking a key phase in completing the site’s stormwater infrastructure.