Sports
How much is the upgrade to the Hummer Sports Park going to cost? Here’s what we know.
TOPEKA — For the past two seasons, Hummer Sports Park has been unable to host a postseason track and field meet. The complex hosted the 2022 regional track and field championship, but wear and tear on the track at Weaver-Erwin Stadium has forced USD 501 into action.
The school board passed an agenda item to repair and resurface the track on May 16.
On Tuesday, the project began and the resurfacing of the track has started to take shape. It is expected to be finished in mid-to-late August.
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McConnell and Associates, from North Kansas City, Missouri, are leading the development. The bid states that the estimated cost of the project is $1,213,390. The bulk of the cost comes from the track resurface which includes improving the steeplechase, javelin, high jump and long jump pits.
The project is being budgeted from two different sources. The Hummer Sports Park’s endowment will cover $712,690. The operations budget of the sports park will cover the rest, $500,700.
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This is the first restoration project of the track since it was founded in 2003. The track has been repainted and the area has seen upgrades to their visual aesthetics in the past.
“Per sanctioning body inspection, Hummer Sports Complex is currently barred from hosting any track and field state or regional competitions until the infrastructure issues are remediated,” the summary of the school board’s agenda item said.
According to the school board, the main concern besides not hosting postseason track meets has been disrupting the infield. The turf field was replaced in 2015, but USD 501 feared that if the track is not updated, it could harm the condition of the football field.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
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