The Mars Area School District board was given presentations on potential designs for new tennis courts at its Tuesday, Jan. 14, work session meeting.

The presentations, given by Mark Scheller of Eckles Architecture and Engineering, showed potential layouts and costs for the project. The courts will be built in the same area as the current tennis courts at Mars Area High School.

There currently are three courts. The proposals would rework the area to fit either four or five courts, along with new bleachers.

One of the biggest considerations in choosing design is whether a permit is required, due to the amount of area being developed. Land under an acre would not need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, according to Scheller.

Four courts without lighting would cost $530,000, while four court with lighting would cost $635,000. Five courts without lighting would cost $550,000, while five courts with lighting would cost $665,000. There would be 12 feet between each of the courts

Scheller also presented the possibility for a “coaching lane,” which would be a low, 4-foot high fenced area running through the middle, where coaches can observe players closer up. This would add additional costs, plus the increased size of the court area could push permitting limits.

Details like Americans with Disabilities Act accessible parking and entry to the courts are required for the project.

Lighting would not be something that has to be included, it would mostly be for recreational use.

The courts would be made with an acrylic material common for tennis courts, with a layer of asphalt beneath it.

The project could take around three months, but the schedule could last a little over a year with any permitting process.

The school board will vote on proposals at next week’s general meeting.