Two multipurpose sports courts at Coromandel Area School will soon be back in play, with resurfacing expected to be completed by the end of next week.

The asphalt surface of the courts had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer be used competitively.

Coromandel-Colville Community Board has split the approximately $100,000 cost of the resurfacing with Coromandel Area School. The school is contributing $50,000 and the community board is paying the remainder.

The courts have been resurfaced with the TigerTurf NZ Ltd Trophy surface, which is a synthetic turf product at the mid-end of the range and a vast improvement on the existing asphalt.

The resurfacing project has taken place thanks to the collaboration of Coromandel Area School and its principal Murray McDonald, Coromandel Netball, the Coromandel Community Recreation Society and the Coromandel-Colville Community Board.

The surface on the three old netball courts on Wharf Road has also degraded to the point where they are no longer fit for purpose. Thames-Coromandel District Council is looking at future options for the use of the council-owned site.

The possibility of building a new premier-grade netball court with lighting at a site on Coromandel Area School is being investigated under preparations for the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan (LTP). Work on the LTP has just begun, and council say they will have a better idea of what projects, work programmes and budgets will be included in it early next year.