Construction on our new Belpre High School track has begun and is on schedule! In order to complete the project, the Belpre High School track and football field will be fully closed to the public throughout the summer. Our goal is to have the project completed in time for the first home football game. So far, the weather has cooperated and we are hopeful this continues during the project.
During the closure the area of the track and football field will be an active construction site. The public is prohibited from using the site during construction.
The old track surface was cracked, there were holes in the rubber, and the foundation and drainage systems were unstable. This represented a significant liability to staff, students, and community members who utilized the track. Additionally, the condition was such that we could not safely practice on the track and we have been unable to host a track meet in almost a decade.
The contractor has already removed the old track surface and concrete/asphalt. They are now working to strengthen/stabilize the sub-surface so that the new track can be constructed on a solid foundation. They will install a new drainage system and pour a new concrete base as soon as the foundation work is completed. A new synthetically resurfaced rubberized track will then be constructed. The new surface is highly rated to provide low-impact running surfaces that result in ideal traction and state-of-the-art safety and performance. The grass football field is in good shape and will be maintained as is.
“When the renovation and repairs to the Belpre High School track are completed, the students and community will have access to another state-of-the-art athletic facility on the BHS campus,” said Superintendent Jeffrey Greenley. “This construction is necessary because the current track is in desperate need of repair and represented a serious safety issue. We also look forward to hosting track meets and generating additional revenues for the athletic program.”
Belpre City Schools appreciates the cooperation of the entire community as the necessary improvements and upgrades are made to the BHS track.