PORT ANGELES — A safety evaluation in 2007 led to the School Board allocating nearly $200,000 last week to repair the high school track.
Maintenance staff evaluated the track in fall 2007 and found several serious problems needed attention in order to continue the track and field program, the board determined.
Some of the problems the staff found include areas of one of the lanes that have come loose from the blacktop which supports the rubber surface.
The surface is uneven in the lanes on the north side of the track, and the base material has not held together, according to the evaluation.
Drainage was also a problem where the infield increased in height and runoff water from the grass sometimes covers portions of the track.
“This was a hard decision to allocate so many dollars in these difficult financial times,” board member Patti Happe said.
“However, this is a one-time expense out of capital funds, not ongoing operations, which will last for 20 years.
“This is an investment for our community, and part of our ongoing efforts to try to keep up an infrastructure that is old and deteriorating.
“The expense not only supports the education of the children in the district, but also the larger community use of the school districts’ facilities.
“In addition, we are striving to meet the intent of the interlocal agreement with the city of Port Angeles to support recreational activities for all the citizens of the community.”
Maintenance staff can no longer repair these areas, a written release from the district stated.
The work should be completed during the summer to minimize disruption to any programs at Port Angeles High School.
The track surface and blacktop will be removed, and some of the base will be excavated and new base added.
The infield will be graded to avoid surface runoff on the track.
A curtain drain will added to the north side of the track to allow water to exit the field.
The asphalt support base will be reapplied and a synthetic surface installed.
Atlas Track and Tennis was awarded the contract for the repairs which total $198,857.97.
Lakeside Industries will be the subcontractor for removal and installation of the blacktop and curtain drain.
For more information e-mail the district at info@portangelesschools.org.