Resurfacing a key step in development of athletic facilities

Following the ruptures formed in the Riverside’s track over the winter, repairs have begun. 

Quick-Fill was used on the track resurfacing project last year. It is a commonly used concrete alternative, designed to expel water once dried in place; however, minerals found within the substrate prevented the water from being properly evacuated.

“There was some sort of chemical reaction that occurred, I don’t know much of the specifics, but it caused water to freeze which made the track rise in some places, some even a foot taller than the rest it,” Riverside’s maintenance director, C.J. Duncan, explained. “Since the track is black, contour between the high and low points is harder for runners to see, which makes running on it dangerous.

“Once we dig up the Quick-Fill, we have to tamp the dirt until the base is stable enough for the track to rest on. Then we add fillers and resurface the entire track, which is the costly part. Following that, we have to repaint the lines and marks all over. All in all, it will cost around $400,000 to make our track usable.” 

The damage that occurred was similar to what recently plagued other area roads — one in the Basin area, the other the Burlington-Meeteetse highway.

Alongside with resurfacing, new aluminum bleachers were added to the field.

“We began installing the bleachers June 18 and they finished up on Monday [July 8],” said Supt. Jory Thompson. “We put in the bleachers because we are hoping to move all football games to the new field within the next two years. We have a lot to do, lights to put in, a scoreboard too, and lines to paint on the field but we are excited for what we have planned.”

The track updates will keep the maintenance crew busy for the summer. Then they will  prepare the school for the upcoming school year and the sports that come along with it.