High school track replacement project beginning March 29
The replacement of the track at the Wilton High School Veterans Stadium will begin on March 29.
The track is scheduled to be replaced in two phases. The replacement project schedule was coordinated with the Wilton High School Athletic Director and athletic coaches to minimize disruption to the spring sports season.
Phase one of the project includes removing the existing track materials and replacing the subsurface with new asphalt.
While the first phase is set to start later this month, it is to be completed by April 13, weather permitting.
During phase one, the turf field will remain open outside of construction hours. The track will also be closed throughout the first phase. Upon completion of phase one, the track will remain in asphalt form until the end of the school year, and will be open for use.
Phase two will tentatively begin on June 21, and is to be completed by July 16, once again weather permitting.
The second phase will include the installation of the Beynon 300 running surface, as well as track and field line painting. The track and the turf will both be closed during the summer’s phase two.
The track is being replaced at a cost of $973,300, which is $276,700, or 22 percent less than the original estimate. The replacement is being funded with monies from the town’s February 10 year bond sale, which achieved a .83 percent interest rate, and a gift of $80,500 from Back the Track.
In 2018, Athletic Director Chris McDougall said that the high school’s track was “deteriorating at a rapid pace.” Since, Wilton Parks and Recreation Director Steve Pierce, the board of selectmen and the rest of the town have worked to budget a plan for the resurfacing of the track. This will be the track’s first resurfacing since 2007. Then, McDougal told the Bulletin in 2018, the materials weren’t properly installed, not allowing moisture to drain and causing adverse effects on the surface.
The paving that supports the track was last poured and redone in the 1980’s. With the new project ready to begin later this month, Wilton High School will see a rejuvenated track by mid summer and in time for the next academic year.
“The town would like to thank Parks and Recreation Commissioner John Macken, Wilton High School Athletic Director Chris McDougal and Wilton Parks and Recreation Director Steve Pierce who led the Track Replacement Project Committee as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission for their input and advocacy,” the Town said in a statement. The Town would also like to recognize Back the Track for their role with advocacy, input and financial support of the track replacement project,” the Town said in the statement.
For questions, contact Wilton Parks and Recreation Director Steve Pierce at steve.pierce@wiltonct.org, or (203)834-6234 ext. 6.