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04/16/2009
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Staff photo by Joe Phelanfrom the Kennebec Journal
BUDGET CUTS ORDERED
Many happy returns in Richmond
Tax woes land on Whitefield
Rapist denied new trial
AUGUSTA MINDING A MINE
SPORT OF KINGS Falconry a blend of dedication and commitment
COLLEGE HOCKEY: Maine rallies but falls short against Boston College
COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Colby women win season opener at home tournament
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
WEDDING BURGLAR JAILED
Youths talk Turkey Day
Plenty of free Thanksgiving meals available
Turkey prices make for happier holiday
Kennebec County Superior Court
POLICE
COLLEGE HOCKEY: Maine rallies but falls short against Boston College
COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Colby women win season opener at home tournament
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
AUGUSTA -- The decades-old track at Alumni Field is getting a makeover, which will force the Cony track and field team to hit the road this season.
The project, which a city official estimated will cost about $115,000, features the most extensive work done on the city-owned track that Cony High School calls home. Work is expected to be completed by July 31.
"It's a fairly large project," said Jim Goulet, director of the Parks, Cemeteries and Trees Bureau, which maintains the facility. "It's a labor-intensive process. The track required extensive maintenance."
Added Leif Dahlin, director of the Community Services Department: "It's the first major rebuild of the track that I'm aware of."
The work, which is funded through the city's Capital Improvement Plan, is already under way.
The old rubberized surface, which is three-eighths of an inch thick, was removed, as was some asphalt.
"We removed some old asphalt and put in a new coat of asphalt," Goulet said. "We repaired all the cracks and dips and leveled it off with a new coat. Then we will put the new rubber surface down."
The Augusta Public Works Department completed the first phase of the project. Bids are already out for installing the rubberized surface. The city will receive the bids April 22, Goulet said.
"We would expect a contract would be forthcoming shortly after that," he said.
However, because temperatures need to be at least 50 degrees to lay layers of adhesive on the asphalt, the next round of work likely won't begin until mid- to late-June.
"The temperatures are critical," Goulet said. "We will be doing layers of adhesives and rubber, and we want to time it with school being out, so approximately June 20 it'll start."
After the new rubberized surface is laid down, the track will be lined and painted.
Cony track coach Shawn Totman said it will be difficult to compete exclusively on the road this season, but that the track was in rough shape.
"It needed it badly," he said. "It was starting to crack. It's just a like a home, you have to take care of it. It's going to be a challenge, going on the road. We're not thrilled with it, but we can't make any excuses. I do feel bad for the seniors, though."
The project also means the annual Cony Invitational, the popular regular season meet that features several local track and field team, will not take place this spring.
Several Rams said Wednesday they hope to make the most of the situation.
"It's kind of disappointing," said senior Brittany Ford, who will run distance events for the Rams. "If you have a home meet, it's your turf and it brings a whole new mentality."
Added Courtney Dufour, another senior distance runner: "It'd be nice to have one home meet. It's hard, but there's not much you can do. We'll have to make the best of it."
Cony junior Luke Fontaine, who is one of the top distance runners in Class A, said the unfamiliarity of other tracks could be a disadvantage for the Rams this season.
"It's tough," he said, "because the corners are always different at other tracks. At least here we know them."
Bill Stewart -- 623-3811, ext. 515
bstewart@centralmaine.com
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