Track Resurfacing Project

Track Resurfacing Q and A

Q:  What is the school district doing to contribute to the effort?

A:   We are working with the district to see what help can look like.  With our leadership being a bit fluid right now and the future budget being unknown, there have not been any promises made yet.  The bottom line is that if we want to get this done we are going to have to take some initiative and get this rolling.  Much like with the pool, no matter how much the district can contribute there will have to be significant fundraising done to complete this.  We can't afford to wait any longer to get started.

Q:  Is the track really that bad?  I've been to games at the high school and it doesn't look that bad.

A:  Please see pictures below after reading this answer.  We have been extremely lucky to get 20+ years out of a surface that was meant to last 10 -15 years.  The black color of the surface has also hidden much of the wear and tear.  Our maintenance crew has done a phenomenal job keeping the surface on life support.  If you take a moment to look closely at the surface you will see how thin it has become and in many spots (such as the finish line area pictured below) the asphalt is wearing through.  During the last several winters we have dealt with the surface bubbling (also pictured below) due to moisture under the surface.  We have had to cover our long jump and javelin runways with rubber mats in order to continue using them.  It is becoming unsafe for training and workouts have been shifted to the turf and grass when possible to prevent injuries.  If we wait much longer it will not be suitable for hosting middle school or high school events safely.

Q:  Why should I support a project to resurface the track that the public doesn't have access to?

A:  We understand the frustration with the public not having access to the track.  There are multiple reasons for this such as safety, liability, wear and tear on the facility, and scheduling issues, just to name a few.  We know it's not ideal and If you don't wish to help we understand.  Thank you though for being supportive of the athletes, parents, and community members that wish to work together to complete a project that will benefit thousands of future student athletes and our community.   Track and field and cross events regularly bring in thousands of athletes and spectators that help to provide a boost to our local economy.  The Wally Ciochetti Track Meet is one of the premier late season events for 4A programs in Oregon bringing teams from Klamath Falls, Prineville and even Reno.  The CG Bramble Scramble meet which finishes on the track brings in over 50 middle school and high school teams from around the state.  We have also been fortunate to host world class programs such as the Botswana National Team for events such as the 2022 World Championships.  A new surface will help to ensure opportunities for our students and community in the future.  

Q:  What about the middle school track?  It needs repair even more!

A:  You are absolutely right!  We have had both facilities evaluated by Beynon Sports (track resurfacing company) and the middle school track presents a significant challenge.  The asphalt foundation at the middle school would not adequately support a new track surface and also needs to be replaced.  This adds hundreds of thousands of dollars to the expense.  The high school track has been used for hosting middle school track meets for the last 20 years and we are in danger of not having any facility that is safe for athletes at either school.  Right now the high school track is the more attainable goal with the cost being significantly less.  Our ultimate goal is to get both tracks taken care of, but we have to start somewhere.

Q:  How do I know that my money is going to be spent on the track and not on other school district projects?

A:  Another excellent question!  There is a dedicated account for the track resurfacing money, multiple people (including Coach Knutson) will have the balance under a microscope.  That money will NOT go anywhere else!

Q:  Is it true that Cottage Grove was supposed to host the Sky-Em District Track and Field Championship in 2025?

A:  Yes, but until our surface is suitable for a championship meet again Cottage Grove will have to continue to defer to other schools in the league.  The boys program will be going for a fourth consecutive district title for the first time in school history, but unfortunately they will have to fight for it in another town.

Q: Is my donation tax deductible?

A:  Yes!  Please ask Lena Twyman for the appropriate paperwork when you make your donation.  

Q:  What's the timeline for the project?

A:  Resurfacing needs to be completed during the summer months.  We would love to shoot for the summer of 2025, but we also know this is a lot of money and it may take longer.