HS Track & Field Update as of February 2012
                                    
John Hall, Facilities and Operations Manager, stated, “The entire track and field project (except for the Traction Protraxx track surfacing) was completed in January 2012. Plus, the Viking logo was positioned on the new turf field! In February, it will be inspected and turned over to the school for use in March 2012.

In April –May 2012 the contractor will return to install the new track surface and complete the entire project. The track and field area will be closed during this process. The public will be informed in advance.

Construction of the field toilet building will not begin until after the 2012 Spring Athletics Program finishes in June of 2012. “This decision was made to allow the Spring Athletics Program to utilize all of the high school fields without interruption to the students. Once construction begins, it will continue (weather permitting) throughout the remainder of June 2012 and the entire summer.”

Mr. Hall concluded by saying, “By September 2012, we are hoping to have full use of the track, field, and bathroom/storage facility. During the construction of the bathroom/storage facility, the natural turf soccer field and softball field will be impacted by the installation of the sanitary system for the new building.”

In 2011, the community approved utilizing $3.1 million from the Capital Reserve Fund for the track and field - this was not the cost of the entire project. The Board made a decision to allocate funds in the capital projects line of the budget knowing that monies from outside the Capital Reserve Fund were needed to complete the project. Money in the Capital Reserve cannot be used for any other purpose than those projects approved by the community. The Viking Foundation has committed a portion of their fund-raising efforts to offset the Capital Reserve Fund for the cost of the track & field - allowing for the funding of other important projects in the future.  

The school district will make every effort to make sure this project moves forward on schedule with minimal disruption to local residents. We ask for your patience and understanding during this process. If you have any questions or concerns please contact John Hall at 516-852-4334.
Information for this article was provided by John Hall, North Shore Schools Facilities and Operations Manager

The HS Track & Field is open to the public as of February 17, 2012. The track will remain open until the track surface is installed in late April (early May).