Waller Stadium Track renovations are completed

By Michael Beeli

Staff Writer

MBX renovated Mira Costa’s Waller Stadium athletic track in August, the first of a series of projects aimed at updating the quality of Costa’s athletic fields beginning this year.

The original track, made from recycled tires. was laid down by MBX in 2003 under a $500,000 budget. After 12 years of extensive use, MBX decided to update the surface, which was beginning to degrade. With a budget of $253,000, the track was upgraded by installing a new high quality polyurethane and rubber surface. The new  polyurethane will increase resistance to tears, add a larger pressure capacity, and provide greater tolerance to greases and oils.

“The track was funded primarily by MBX with grants contributed by the Manhattan 10K and Club Ed, a local running group,” Chairman of Board Directors of the MBX Foundation Gary Wayland said.

The renovation took three weeks total, and prior to resurfacing MBX updated the logistics of the area as a whole. A new electrical conduit was installed at the finish line. A trench was also dug in order to install a new pipe.

“Prior to the renovation, trenches were dug at the finish line to install electrical conduit for the Costa track and their new electronic timing system, and on the northwest section of the track to install new pipe which will eventually improve the drainage on the football field,” Wayland said.

The track is hardly a month old, yet it has been utilized by track athletes quite extensively thus far.  It has been under use for nearly a month and has proven to be not only safe, but also durable and efficient for running support.  The new track surface is expected to significantly reduce physical stress and injury.

“The new track creates far less shock when we run, helping prevent shin splints, which was a huge problem that most of our athletes have had in the past,” Track and Field athlete Junior Hunter Lynch said.

According to Principal Ben Dale the recent renovations were necessary to replace an aging track and not only reduce the risk of injury to athletes, but also ensure that the school’s facilities are being constantly maintained to a high standard.