Concord University Back on Track: Renovations Complete

After an extensive renovation, Concord University’s track is now back and open for business. In a letter to students and others alike, President Kendra Boggess explained what many on campus already knew: the track was in a complete state of disrepair. Anyone using the track at the end of last semester was able to simply walk out onto the track, reach down, and pick some of it up with no effort at all. In such a state, it could not be used by Concord to perform college or high school level competitions.

To that end, Concord University sought to renovate the track and make it usable for everyone. After gathering donations from Concord alumni, work began and the track was completed and open to the public, though some were puzzled as to why it was locked at certain times when previously anyone could come to use it at any time. So, President Boggess explained the situation to the town council on August 16, and explained it to the Concord University SGA later, with a letter released onto the website for posterity. 

    In the letter, as well as at the meeting, president Boggess explained that the new track could be damaged without the proper precautions to ensure protection. As the majority of the money for the track was given in donations, the University wants their investment to last a long time. According to the letter, “The new track surface is a rubberized surface that will assure our student athletes more safety during their training and during meets.”

    While the surface is rubber, underneath the track used to be asphalt. During renovation, the asphalt was milled and replaced and a substance known as BS 300 was placed on top of it. This type of track is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation. Due to this, the track could get damaged by things such as machinery. So, mats have been purchased and placed around the track. Athletes with cleats on their shoes and wheeled vehicles will be required to use these mats to get onto the field. In addition to that, to cut down on wear and tear, a schedule was set up so that non-athletes and residents of Athens will be able to use the track.

    From 8:15 A.M.  to 2:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, the track is open to all students, faculty, and residents.  From 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, the track is reserved for NCAA practice and Intramural practice. It is open for students, faculty, and general use again from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. On weekends, Concord hopes it will be open to all from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., though this will ultimately be determined by whether or not they can get a student employee to watch the track and make sure procedures are being followed. It should also be noted that during holidays and game days, the track will be closed. 

    No wheeled vehicles will be allowed near the track, and no pets will be allowed with the exception of service animals. Smoking and drinking will also be prohibited. The schedule as it stands is subject to change, and any amendments to the schedule will be posted to the Athens Town Council website, the Concord University website, the Athens Town Post Office, and at the Athletic Stadium entrances. With this schedule and these new rules, Concord University hopes that the track will be around for a long time and that it can be enjoyed by all.