Every time it rains, the school track turns into a puddle-filled hazard, making it impossible for after-school clubs and sports teams to practice. This disrupts training and harms team performance. For track athletes, wet conditions make running and jumping risky, increasing the chance of injuries such as sprained ankles or muscle strains.
“It has not been maintained very well because of the lack of water, and it makes a lot of puddles. It is not a nice-looking field, so we have had a hard time maintaining it,” said Mrs. Fernandez.
The track is in pretty bad shape, and it’s starting to affect how students and PE teachers can use it. “When the track is dry, we can use it, but when it rains, there are puddles. Once the students run, it will leave footprints, and when it all dries, the track will be uneven,” said Mrs. Mullen.
When students run the mile in rainy conditions, puddles make the track difficult to use, and because the track is longer than regulation, teachers must give students more time. “The track is actually ¼ mile longer, so we have to make adjustments once the students run the mile,” added Mrs. Mullen.
People remain concerned about the condition of the track, and the head of maintenance is monitoring the situation carefully. “Yes, we do. We have our head of maintenance water the ground more, and we are waiting for flag football season to be over because we do not want to cause more injuries. The beginning of October is the last football game, and then they are going to maintain it,” explained Mrs. Fernandez.
Some teachers also suggested improvements to help students use the track safely. “If we had a rail so students stay on the track and don’t run on the grass, it would make a big difference,” said Mr. Smith.
Local families and the community can also play a key role in fixing the track. “We would love any volunteers to help us, and it costs a lot of money to paint the lines, so family members could help,” said Mrs. Fernandez.
Students, too, have been voicing concerns about the track’s condition. “We’re having trouble practicing because of the mud, and once track season starts, the rainy season kicks in too,” said Mr. Smith.