Committee accepts bid for Swan Creek and Wildwood South athletic court renovations

The Fitchburg Finance Committee on June 23 approved resolution R126‑26 to accept the low bid for renovations to the Swan Creek and Wildwood South athletic courts.

Eric, a city project presenter, said the Parks Board and Public Works recommended accepting the apparent low bid for the base work and alternates one and three; alternate one covers resurfacing the Swan Creek basketball courts and alternate three is a full fiberglass surface coverage across the courts intended to defer future maintenance. Eric said the project was included in the 2025 CIP and that the bid came in about $25,000 over the original budget.

Eric described the courts included in the contract as the Swan Creek tennis and basketball courts and the Wildwood South tennis courts, and that the project will also dual‑stripe courts to allow both tennis and pickleball play. "We're expecting the full fiberglass coverage to extend [resurfacing] further," Eric said, noting other municipalities reported positive results with full fiberglass coverage.

Adam, a staff member, said the fiberglass layer is flexible and is intended to reduce cracking that can affect play—especially for pickleball, where a small crack can significantly alter ball bounce. Staff identified Fred Coleman as the designer who recommended the approach.

Committee members asked for cost confirmation; staff described the total bid as "around $286,000" and noted the overrun would be covered by replacement funds. The committee approved the resolution by voice vote.

The project will proceed under the recommended low bidder and include alternate work intended to increase pavement life and reduce near‑term resurfacing needs.