Neil Armstrong MS Track, Field, Covered PE Area (2024)
After completion of track renovations last year, work also will continue on the track and field in spring to summer of 2024 to install synthetic turf. View updates below for current work.
Click on the completed projects section link on the right to view work done in summer 2023.
Architect's Rendering - Outdoor PE Area
July 22, 2024 - Field Work
(Photos 1-3) striping is completed for the field. Crew members add and smooth out the finishing rock that outlines the track.
Covered Play Area
(Photos 4-7) concrete has been poured for the footings as crew members lay down steel beams and posts to prepare for the next phase of construction.
July 16, 2024 - Constructing Forms for Covered Play Footings
Covered Play Area
Crew members are constructing forms in the excavated trenches. The forms are built to hold concrete footings for the covered PE area; a pour is scheduled in a few days.
July 10-13, 2024 - Final Striping, Addition of Rubberized Pellets
Photos 1-2
July 10, 2024 - striping is added to the field by cutting space, then applying the striping with heavy-duty glue. At one end zone, striping has been applied to line out boundaries for soccer, football and lacrosse.
Photos 3-4
July 13, 2024 - after filling the spreaders with rubberized pellets, crew members drive up and down the field with the spreaders to distribute the pellets across the field. The pellets serve to provide a surface similar to natural grass, and add safety for absorbing and cushioning impacts.
Photo 5
This aerial view shows the spread of the pellets across the field, which will be tidied up upon completion.
June 18, 2024 - Field Work, Covered PE Area
June 18, 2024
Field Work
Field Work
Compaction of the base layer for the field is nearly complete. Installation of the synthetic turf is expected to start next month. At the right of the track is a view of the work starting for the covered play structure.
Covered PE Area
In this aerial view, markings outline where the footings will be placed. These areas will be excavated to create trenches for the concrete forms. Next to the gym, excavation is already taking place.
June 12, 2024 - Field Drainage Work
June 12, 2024 - flat tile drainage and moisture barrier sheeting have been added over the stabilized soil. The first of two base gravel layers is being added on top. This system helps move water that soaks underneath the turf to the drainage pipes on the perimeter of the field.
June 5, 2024 - Compaction and Filling Continue
June 5, 2024 - the field continues to be compacted and graded after installation of drainage pipes around the perimeter and stabilization of the soil. Remaining pipe trenches will be filled to complete the system.
May 29, 2024 - Continued Field Work
May 29, 2024 - installation of drainage pipe around the perimeter of the field is complete. Areas at one end of the field receive additional stabilization. Rock overlay is added and compacted above the drainage pipes and improved areas. The drainage system and stabilization are important to ensure there is no ponding on the turf or subsidence underneath during rainy weather.
May 22, 2024 - Installation of Drainage
May 22, 2024 - crew members begin trenching around the perimeter of the field to install drain pipes that will lead water away from the field to the storm drainage system.
May 14, 2024 - Cement Treatment Begins
May 14, 2024 - after excavation and grading, contractors have applied a cement aggregate (not to be mistaken with concrete) to treat the field area and stabilize the soil. The smooth, lighter-colored area has been cement-treated, with the rest of the field about to be treated. This is important so that the sub-base layer stays firm and smooth after it is compacted, preventing sags that result in puckering or ponding of the synthetic turf field overlay (see Sports Field Management article for more information).
May 7, 2024 - Excavation of Field Area
May 7, 2024 - excavation of the former grass field is now underway to prepare for future grading and installation of the new synthetic turf field. The new field will allow all-weather use for students and, when school is not in session, community recreation as well. The track and field are currently inaccessible during construction - for your safety, please stay out of the fenced construction zone. Expected completion is by the end of August 2024.