Track and Field Facility Improvements

The Parkston, SD School District wanted to upgrade their facilities to replace existing track, field event areas, and grandstand. DGR Engineering (DGR) teamed up with Puetz Corporation to work with the school district on solutions to meet their needs. DGR designed the track and field layout, and Puetz Corp. planned the grandstand portion of the project.

Lack of proper drainage around the track had led to major cracks and the track’s surface was deteriorating. Soil borings indicated highly saturated and frost susceptible soil conditions underneath the track. Based on information from the geotechnical report and discussions with the architect and school district, the track area was subcut 3’ so suitable drainage fill could be brought in to minimize frost/heave and drainage issues. If not addressed, these issues could ultimately lead to shifting and cracking of the new track surface.

Drainage adjacent to the track was improved to enhance runoff and extend the life of the new track. Track lane markings put the finishing touch on the ½” rubberized mat surface placed over 3.5” of asphalt pavement.

The old facility featured an eight-lane track with 36” wide lanes. The old track and grandstands were removed, and lane width was increased to 42”. With this new wider lane width, Parkston School District will be eligible to host regional meets.

New grandstands were installed, along with all new field event facilities. To accommodate the wider lane widths, the track had to be shifted within the site constraints to maintain the existing football field and light poles and to minimize additional costs to the school district.