Visible progress is being made as both the track and turf are being installed during the month of July at Shula Stadium
John Carroll University's Don Shula Stadium is undergoing a track and turf replacement project throughout the summer of 2011, with the goal to be ready for the opening of the fall sports season.
“This project is a huge asset for Athletics and Recreation on campus and will positively impact the experience of hundreds of students each year,” said
Laurie Massa, Director of Varsity Athletics and Recreation at John Carroll.
The project was required because both the track and turf had reached the end of their useful lives. Construction began in late April and is scheduled to be completed on or about September 1.
“Football and soccer will compete on a new state of the art surface in the fall and Track and Field will have the opportunity to host an OAC meet in the Spring of 2012, which none of our current athletes or coaches have experienced,” said Massa. “Club lacrosse will compete on the surface as well, and students involved in Intramural programs will also have access.”
The opportunity to replace the track and turf also allowed the university to reconfigure the dimensions for its soccer field, widening its to 210 feet.
The entire track base was replaced with 12 inches of stone and drainage was added to both sides of the track. The new four-inch thick asphalt track is being poured this week.
The synthetic turf replacement is scheduled to begin the week of July 11.
The new turf will be Shaw Sportexe Powerblade HP+ with Spikezone. The synthetic turf will contain a two-inch infill consisting of sand and crumb rubber -- a product made from recycled tires.
The new track surface material will be a full pour product, Beynon 1000. This product can be re-surfaced up to two times for a total life of 26 years.
“We are grateful for the Institution's commitment of resources and to Carol Dietz and the facilities staff for their exceptional management of the project,” said Massa.
The replacement project is being undertaken by the design firm of CHA Sports of Albany, NY, and Paige Design Group of Bahama, NC. The contractor is Sports Construction Group of Brecksville, OH.
