This is another in a series of articles highlighting use of federal funds resulting in projects benefiting city residents. It is done in cooperation with the city in interest of information and transparency
By Dan Atkinson
Voice Writer
Pickleball has exploded in popularity throughout the country in the last few years, and West Haven now has high-quality courts they can call their own. At the Bailey Middle School sports complex, residents can use the three pickleball courts to learn the game and have fun. The year-old sports complex, which also has a basketball court, hosts a steady stream of users of all ages daily.
The Bailey sports complex opened in spring of 2022 at the middle school following its construction. Hinding Tennis Courts LLC of West Haven performed the construction. The sports complex was funded by ESSER funds. The project was managed by Building Committee Chair Ken Carney
In addition to being open during school hours, the courts are open for use to the public for a few hours during the week after Bailey Middle School closes.
Hinding Tennis, which has a long history of success building quality recreational courts for all types of surfaces, was selected to work on the Bailey sports complex after being approached by Carney to discuss the best way to fix and repair older athletic courts in West Haven that are in poor condition. Company owner Tom Hinding said he told both Carney and West Haven Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro that it could construct a post tension concrete court at Bailey. Hinding Tennis specializes in building these courts.
“When you build a post-tension court, a cable is embedded in the concrete slab that is stressed to almost 8,000 pounds once completed. As a result, the concrete will not crack for upwards of 20 years,” Tom Hinding said.
The construction of the Balley sports complex began in mid-fall of 2021 and ended early last spring. The project’s first step involved Hinding Tennis employees laying out and excavating the full court area before installing processed gravel. The full court measured 102 feet by 52 feet. A steel basketball hoop was then furnished and installed.
Hinding Tennis next laid post tension concrete on the court area and sanded it. There were 15 crew members on site the day the concrete was poured. In all, nearly 400 yards of concrete was poured.
After pouring the concrete, crew members pressure washed the court and furnished and installed acrylic coating on the entire court surface. They separated the area into three pickleball courts and a basketball court by painting and texturing white lines.
The Bailey sports complex ultimately cost just under $200,000, which was under budget. Tom Hinding said there were no complications when working on the complex. His working relationship with Cavallaro, Carney and West Haven City Manager Chris Everone was very strong throughout the construction process.
“Neil, Chris and Ken were fantastic and easy to work with. They took our advice when necessary and did a great job of helping us keep the work site safe and secure during construction,” Hinding said.
Bailey Middle School principal Robert Bohan said staff, students, and city residents have benefited immensely from being able to use the courts.
“The students love using the courts in their physical education classes. It’s a great chance for them to have fun during the school day,” Bohan said. “It’s also a great resource for teachers to interact and relax after school while getting much-needed exercise. I’ve seen the public consistently using the courts as well.”
Bohan said he has heard nothing but positive feedback from city residents about the Bailey sports complex. He believes having the courts at the middle school brings the community together.
“Through word of mouth, I’ve been told residents love having the courts here,” Bohan said. “It gives people of all ages an opportunity to come to the school and just have fun with one another. It’s always important to the administration to be able to provide resources to everyone in West Haven.”