Duininck paving and grading crews wrapped up a several-month tennis court resurfacing project at Willmar High School. The project began in early June and was completed in the second week of August, just in time for athletes to return and practice on the newly resurfaced courts.
“Projects like these are generally really front-loaded, with a lot of the work happening in the beginning. We have to let the asphalt sit for a month before it can be painted, so we worked the schedule backward based on that,” shared Lucas Post, Duininck Business Development – Private.
The initial scope included removal of the existing surface, hauling in new base material, site preparation, and placement of new asphalt for eight courts. Early testing by the Duininck team confirmed that the existing asphalt could be reclaimed and recycled.
“It takes a little bit of work beforehand, but it might give us an advantage with the bid,” Post stated. “Once Duininck was awarded the bid, we were able to take the existing asphalt and pulverize it into the gravel below instead of hauling in new Class 5 gravel.” By reclaiming the existing asphalt, Duininck saved Willmar High School nearly $40,000.
In addition to reclaiming asphalt, Duininck was also able to recycle a portion of the material. Because recycled mix requires less new oil, this approach helped reduce costs and saved the school approximately $10,000.
“It’s important to find useful ways to reuse asphalt, and by recycling it, it supplements having to use more oil,” Post shared. “I would say 95% of all asphalt taken off the road or removed in any capacity is reused at some point.”
As work progressed, crews dug test holes and discovered more existing sand than anticipated. That material was reused, and the credited cost was applied toward installation of new drain tile for the court area. In total, 1,100 tons of asphalt, 1,200 linear feet of drain tile, and only a minimal amount of gravel were brought in for the project. Through recycling and reclamation, Duininck saved Willmar High School approximately $100,000.
“We have always had a great relationship with Duininck on the projects we have worked together on and this one was no different,” shared Ryan Blahosky, Willmar High School Activities Director. “Lucas and his team worked hard for us and were very responsive when we had questions or concerns. We have an awesome facility, and Duininck should be proud of the work they did to give our students and athletes a top-notch facility.”