Binghamton’s New Rec Park Tennis Courts Must Be Resurfaced

The recently-constructed tennis courts at Recreation Park in Binghamton will be closed for several weeks because they didn't meet contractual specifications.

Mayor Jared Kraham said the top layer of asphalt on the courts at the West Side park will be stripped off and replaced with new asphalt.

Kraham told WNBF News the material that was used "didn't meet the city's expectations in terms of drainage and repelling water."

The mayor said there are "no issues with the underground drainage systems that were added" when the old tennis courts were removed. He said "it's really just the asphalt top coat." He said it will be "milled out" in the coming month.

Kraham said the planned work is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete. He said the tennis facility will be unavailable when the work is underway.

The mayor said the project's general contractor - Broome Bituminous Products of Vestal - will foot the bill for the asphalt replacement work.

Kraham said the tennis courts will be opened after the resurfacing job is finished. He said the facility will be available for the Tennis Challenger tournament scheduled for July.

The mayor said when it became apparent there were "some issues with drainage" on the new courts, various factors were investigated. He said "ultimately it was determined through some forensic analysis" the problem was due to the asphalt.

Kraham said there are no other problems with the new facility. He indicated he was pleased with the new seating and fencing at the tennis courts.

Last October, Mayor Richard David had said the city was working with the contractor to address some concerns. He said while the new tennis facility looked good and functionsed well, "we want what we paid for."

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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