Schools
Cool Weather Delays Reopening of Ross Elementary Track and Field
District had hoped field would have been ready last fall.
People waiting anxiously for the new track and field to open at will have to wait a bit longer.
“We are at the mercy of the weather,” said David Hall, director of finance and operations.
“We had hoped to have had the track and field finished last fall when the , but the weather would not cooperate.”
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The last part of the project involves putting the last of a rubberized coating over the new asphalt track.
“The contractor tells us he needs consistent weather that does not fall below 50 degrees and plenty of sunshine,” said Hall. “We thought we were going to get an early start a couple of weeks ago, but then it turned cold again before the contractor could finish.”
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Once the weather cooperates, Hall expects the work on the track to take no more than a week. The contractor must also complete landscaping around the school building and in an area adjacent to the field set aside for discus and shot put events.
According to the Weather Channel.com, the average low temperature in the Pittsburgh area does not rise above 50 degrees until mid to late May.
The district enlarged the field to a full-sized football field and replaced the natural surface with an artificial turf similar to the field at Martorelli Stadium. In addition, the district also extended the track from one-fifth of a mile to a quarter mile. The work is part of a $21-million dollar renovation of the school.
“This is our field for junior high football, track and field,” said Hall. “We are anxious to be able to use it again.”
For now, the junior high track team is practicing and holding its meets on the grass field adjacent to.
When not in use by the district, the field is the site of several other sports, including soccer and lacrosse. It's also a popular place for people in the neighborhood to exercise.
Hall said he understands everyone’s frustration with the delay.
“I would hate to be in a business that is so weather-dependent, but that’s the business our contractor is in,” he said.
