Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke and St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew will both have the ultimate surface on their tracks this fall.
Greenwood Paving was awarded the contract for the first phase—building up the track base, putting down asphalt and installing fencing. A second contractor will add a rubber surface over the asphalt.
It is a step-wise approach to installing the new surface, explains Ivan Johnson, RCCDSB Plant Manager.
“Construction will begin in early July and the first steps – asphalt and fencing – will hopefully be completed by mid to late August at both schools. Then the asphalt needs to rest several weeks before the rubberized coating can be applied,” says Johnson.
There are a number of recognized benefits of the surface the Board has chosen for the tracks.
“The synthetic rubber layer will add optimal traction and enhanced performance as well as providing shock absorption and cushioning to help protect athletes from injury (for example shin splints, joint problems). It’s also extremely durable, lasting up to 20 years. It is not affected by weather and requires very little maintenance,” notes Mark Searson, RCCDSB Superintendent of Educational Services.
Having a brand new rubberized track will provide RCCDSB students with a proper, state-of-the-art facility for training and competing, put them on a level playing field with their competitors in track and field events across the province, and allow the Board to host top-notch events at its schools.
“The facility will include track and field events for training purposes and hosting our elementary feeder school events. We are looking forward to seeing the students outside having fun and getting some important physical activity, especially after this tough time we all have gone through,” notes Derek Lennox, Principal, SJHS. “It has been a long time coming and our staff, students and the community will benefit greatly from having this state-of-the art facility.”
Brennan Trainor, Principal of Bishop Smith Catholic High School says the school is thrilled to be getting this wonderful improvement. “The support the Board has given to extra-curricular in all areas of track and field has been nothing short of amazing. We are extremely excited to have to our students enjoying this fantastic venue on school grounds in the very near future!”
“We’re extremely pleased to be proceeding with this project over the summer and early fall. We began planning and budgeting more than a year ago in order to provide our students with safe, modern track and field facilities to support and encourage them in their athletic endeavours,” states Jaimie Perry, RCCCDSB Director of Education.