After many years of complaints about the uneven, cracked track, muddy infields, and poor quality bleachers that lacked handicap access, the time has finally come for the high school track to be renovated.

Approved by the school board August 22, this $4.4 million project will completely revamp the track and field.

According to facilities manager Mr. John Lyon, this project will include a new track with a turf infield, brand new lighting, a new equipment storage building, new bleachers, and a drive line along the track that allows wheelchair access to the bleachers and easy access to the field events.

Mr. Lyon went on to say that the biggest changes for track athletes will be the lighting on the field that will allow for night use, the easier access to the field, and just a nicer overall track and field.

Mr. Lyon said he was most excited that due to the planned artificial turf “the groundskeeper won’t have to mow inside [the track because] you shouldn’t drive on the rubber track, so now he will not have to cross over it.”

Mr. Lyon said that he also is excited that this project is “actually one of the first projects [he’ll] be overseeing 100%” after taking over as the district’s new facilities manager.

Construction on the new track has already begun. Hopefully, if weather permits, the project will be finished by the end of June 2023.

Track and field athletes are very eager to have their new track ready to go for practice and meets.

Senior runner Ella Andrew said that she is “thrilled” for the track to finally get a well deserved update.

Because of the hopeful completion date of June 2023, the track team will be practicing at another track that will be determined at a later date. This venue change has, of course, caused some negative emotions for seniors who most likely will not get to experience the brand new track for their final season competing at Beaver Area.

Andrew admitted that she is “kind of sad” that they won’t be able to use the track, saying, “it is going to be a hard winter without the track.”

All things considered, this state-of-the-art track facility is a big and exciting deal for the school. This new track will be sure to train and host the talents of our amazing track and field athletes for years to come.

Photos by Tyler Buzard