In recent years, Park’s track team has struggled with having an outdated track. Due to the age of the track, the quality has reduced to the point where the team can no longer hold home meets. However, after a bond referendum, passed in 2023, Park is gearing up for a brand new track next school year.

Head boys’ coach Kelson Mackenzie said he’s optimistic about getting a new track that is on the same level as other schools.

“As far as getting a new track I’m really excited,” Mackenzie said. “First and foremost it gives us something to feel proud of that we have a facility that’s more on par with our competitors.”

According to sophomore Meghan Knight, she’s anticipating more effective workouts on the new track.

“(I’m expecting) more comfort and the workouts are going to be a lot better,” Knight said. “We will be able to have more diverse workouts and not have athletes being injured due to shin splints.”

According to Mackenzie, the process of approving the bond referendum was complex, and the track coaches are all thankful for the public’s support.

“The general public who passed the bond referendum and voted ‘yes’ were the ones who helped allocate the money for the new track facility,” Mackenzie said. “There’s a lot of politics involved in that and the track coaches are grateful, I know it wasn’t an easy decision.”

Junior Ronan Guevera said the conditions of Park’s current track make the warm-up process for athletes challenging.

“The track right now is really bumpy and outdated so it will be nice to get a new track,” Guevara said. “Having turf in the middle would be nice because it’s hard to run with spikes on grass — it’s just not a good combination. It would be much easier to warm-up with spikes on the turf.”

Track and Field offers different athletic opportunities within the sport. Knight said having a new track will allow for more fulfilling practice time.

“Especially with a new track, it will be smoother for everyone and more people will be able to compete in different things, have more diverse workouts and enjoy practice more,” Knight said.

According to Guevera, the quality of the track does not impact all of the athletes but some aspects of the track are probable safety hazards.

“The track doesn’t impact me a ton but there are a lot of bumps on the track, which is an injury concern,” Guevara said. “If you’re running at full speed and hit a bump, that’s obviously unsafe.”

Mackenzie said the Park track team is built on a powerful foundation and their performance at meets is a reflection of that.

“Our team is wonderful and is built on a strong work ethic with people who want to compete and want to be here and our facilities will then want to reflect that desire from the team,” Mackenzie said.

Track’s next meet is 4:15 p.m. April 14 at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School.