Click here to download the press release.Perry Explores Options for New Tennis Courts as Middle School Project Advances

PERRY TOWNSHIP, OH (September 18, 2025) — Perry Local Schools is moving forward with construction of a new middle school at Hartwick Park, a site carefully selected after a thorough evaluation of every available option. Upon consideration of environmental regulations related to a waterway on the property, the project cost, and timeline, it has been determined that the land currently occupied by the high school tennis courts will be needed to complete the project. As a result, the 2026 boys tennis season will be played at an alternate location. The district is actively finalizing arrangements for the team to utilize Reservoir Park as a temporary home court.

Superintendent Nathan Stutz explained the decision-making process: “Every potential site was carefully reviewed, and Hartwick Park emerged as the best choice for our new middle school,” Stutz said. “During the planning process, it became clear that in order to minimize mitigation of the stream and associated underground waterway on the property, responsibly manage project costs, and meet construction timelines, the space where our high school tennis courts are currently located will be needed for the new building.”

Athletic Director Kevin Yoder emphasized the district’s commitment to student-athletes: “Our top priority is ensuring that our students continue to have meaningful athletic opportunities,” Yoder said. “While the location of our tennis season will change temporarily, families can be assured that we will have a full schedule of competition. We are grateful to our families for their flexibility and understanding as we balance facility improvements with athletic needs.”

Looking ahead, current plans involve financing new courts once the middle school project is completed. The new courts would be relocated near the Pfeiffer Intermediate School building. On financing and new courts, Stutz added:“Right now, the district’s financial responsibility is to complete the middle school construction,” he said. “However, if funding becomes available sooner, the district would be able to move forward with constructing new courts earlier.”

To support this effort, a committee has been formed to explore grants and pursue additional fundraising opportunities. If funding is secured prior to the middle school’s completion, the new courts would be constructed in front of the existing Edison Middle School building, placing them within the new location of Hartwick Park.

The new middle school project is being funded through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission’s Classroom Facilities Assistance Program (CFAP) and the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP), covering the full $62 million project cost without new taxpayer funding.

Perry Local Schools is committed to creating safe, modern learning environments for all students. Following the successful opening of three new elementary schools, the Hartwick Park middle school project marks the next step in the district’s long-term facility master plan.

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