By October, Cookeville High School will have a new football field and a new track, after the school board approved the track bid Thursday night.
The project includes a new urethane track with a red surface, the construction of two new long-jump pits and a pole jump runway and pit. The total price, some $258,000.
“Anytime you can completely re-do a facility with brand new materials it creates a great energy, you know what an awesome time for the community and Cookeville High School,” Head Track and Field Coach Scott Cook said.
The board decided to go with urethane, a more modern surface than latex, the other alternative. The price difference was roughly $17,000.
“The market is moving away from latex to urethane,” Upland Design’s Kim Chamberlin said. “The performance on urethane is still substantially better.”
Cook said most of the schools that Cookeville competes with are making the move to urethane.
“A little bit softer, little bit more durable material that will last longer and be a little better for the athletes,” Cook said.
The new turf football field forced some changes to the long-jump and pole-jump facilities. Cook said the addition of pit across the field will also give the school the chance to host sectional and regional events.
Construction could begin at the end of September. Chamberlin said the crews have a three-week window with an away football game and fall break where they could likely complete the work, barring weather delays.
Chamberlin said they do not believe there will be issues with the asphalt underneath the current surface.
The surface should have a 12-15 year life. Chamberlin said it will need to be maintained and refreshed in roughly seven years. Cook said it has been a decade since the last upgrade. Cook said a new track and new turf on the football field creates the atmosphere he wants for athletes.
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