Varsity track off limits

Greg Wiens and John Barry: irreparable pockets of damage

The outdoor Varsity track is closed due to growing irreparable damage to its surface. Despite barricades on the track, a running mishap prompted the closure of the six-lane track for good.

It seems the rubberized surface over asphalt base, which has been patched and repaired over the years, continues to separate and form bubbles on the track.

"The standard repair job just doesn't work anymore. It's beginning to look like a pinto horse," said Greg Wiens, superintendent, grounds and transportation.

The situation has been worsening since the fall, said Wiens. As more and more bubbles are cut out, leaving exposed areas as large as a small office, "it's just not safe for use as a running track." Previously, these damaged areas would be blocked off, said Wiens, but now the entire track is off limits.

Signs are up, but despite the warnings, some continue to use the track.

"Some people have been quite vocal, and less than polite, when asked to leave," said Wiens. But in the interest of safety, and preventing liability, people are asked to stay off the track.

"I don't know what the future of the Varsity track will be. It will not be repaired for competitive track use. We are looking into other options, but it's a matter of funding availability," said Wiens.

John Barry, operations director for physical education, said it would cost about $800,000 to replace the track, or up to $50,000 to repair it. "One option will see one or two lanes available for joggers and replacing the remainder with grass for a bigger playing field," said Barry. There are no plans to reopen the approximately 20-year-old track.

There are still reasons to cross the track, said Wiens, and by August football players will be practicing in the field, so there's no way to actually block public access to it.

"It would be open to staff, students and the public if it were in reasonably good repair. But we just can't run the risk." Wiens is counting on the cooperation of the campus community.

Campus Security has been alerted to keep runners from using the track.