MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury College plans to break ground this summer on new outdoor tennis courts and enhanced throwing areas for its track and field teams.

The new construction will occur along the west side of South Street. The tennis facility will move to an area near the men’s soccer field and the college’s track and field complex. A throwing area — for those competing in the shot put, javelin, discus and hammer throw events, now just east of the track — will be established on the grass area above the men’s soccer field and south of the track.

Director of Athletics Erin Quinn said the new courts are an opportunity to enhance the playing experience for student-athletes on the men’s and women’s tennis teams, who currently play on the Proctor Tennis Courts to the west of Middlebury Chapel.

“While we have enjoyed the central location of the courts, this move will allow matches and practices to take place in closer proximity to our other athletics facilities. With three additional tennis courts, matches and practices will become more efficient for our teams and will provide more opportunities for those participating in recreational tennis as well,” Quinn said.

Regarding improvements for the track and field teams, Quinn said, “The throwing areas have been in need of critical upgrades, and I’m excited that this project allows us to make those improvements for our student-athletes.”

The throwing areas will be constructed first, followed by the tennis facility, with expected completion in September.

Eventually, according to a college press release, the institution’s 2008 campus master plan calls for a new student center to be built on the site of the college’s Proctor Tennis Courts. The college envisions the student center “to be a vibrant, active living room for the campus, where every student, faculty, and staff member feels a sense of belonging,” according to the release.