The Tyrrell County Board of Education voted January 16 to proceed with tennis court upgrades at the town-owned Children’s Playground on Fonsoe Street in Columbia.

The school system intends to use the tennis courts during physical education classes.

The improvements include resealing and painting the entire court at a cost of $3,500, and setting up two surveillance cameras to enable school officials to monitor students during class and when crossing Highway 64, at a cost of $700, Dr. Will Hoffman, superintendent, explained in a letter to Mayor James Cahoon.

“The board is also excited that this oroject will coincide with new crosswalks and walking zones on Main Street, Fonsoe Street and the extension of the school zone on Highway 64 through a Safe Routes to School grant,” Dr. Hoffman wrote.

The town board of aldermen moved to explore the cost of installing additional lighting in the area.

School board members are Lee Scripture (chairman), Carlos Armstrong (vice chairman), Karen Clogh, Robin Dunbar, and Janie Spencer.