Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
If you’ve visited the Storm King campus lately, you’re sure to have noticed all the activity taking place. With renovations at Spy Rock nearly complete, and our brand new tennis courts on their second coat of blacktop and almost ready for use, the latest phase of our strategic campus plan is coming to fruition right before our eyes. This is good news for the entire SKS community, but no one could be happier than our tennis teams and their coaches. They have all been eagerly watching the construction through the windows of the Henderson Dining Hall.
Coach Nancy Greenhill and her 2017 championship winning girls varsity tennis team. Note the large crack in the tennis court just below coach Greenhill . . . it’s not there anymore!
According to Girls Tennis coach Nancy Greenhill, it was more than 30 years ago that the courts below Orr Commons were built. The courts have weathered many Mountain winters and suffered from the cracking and wear typical of older, hard-surface tennis courts. “We’re so excited about the new courts. We are very lucky to have them completely reconstructed from the ground up. It’s a real luxury,” she said with a smile.
Oval Tennis tearing up the old court
Coach Greenhill explained that the reconstruction wasn’t as simple as it may seem, and needed to be handled by Oval Tennis—a company that specializes in tennis courts. Initially, the old court surfaces were torn up, then broken down into tiny pieces which were used as a base for the new surface materials. Next, a linear drainage system—commonly known as a French drain—was installed and the fencing was replaced. As of right now—Friday, September 29, 2017— the courts are being covered with their second layer of asphalt and look fantastic! Once the temporary lines are drawn, students will be permitted to use the courts. Then in the spring, when the temperature rises above 55 degrees, Oval Tennis will return to campus and give the courts their coating of acrylic paint in US Open Blue. With this final touch, the SKS campus will have five beautiful newly reconstructed tennis courts to enjoy for many years to come.
The new courts receiving their second layer of asphalt
Regarding what the new courts will bring to the School, Coach Greenhill had a lot of positive things to say. “The new courts will give us lots of opportunities for more and higher-level play. With our beautiful location, and the great view, we hope the new courts will allow us to expand our tennis program and attract new student tennis players,” she explained.