Mansfield High's New Track and Field Ready for the Season

This summer, Mansfield started work on the renovations of the track and field area of Alumni field at the Mansfield High School.

The old track and field had cracks, holes and flooded at certain points, causing problems for athletes and custodians alike. Superintendent of Mansfield schools Brenda Hodges said that this track is a big improvement.

“We’re very very proud of it,” Hodges said. “It’s a tremendous venue that students will have available to them.”

Work on the new track officially ended on Sept. 10.

Originally, the plan approved at the 2011 town meeting was to use a particular three-inch coating to repair the track itself.

The consulting company that was hired to do the initial assessment stated that there will also be long-term maintenance issues for the field, like a drainage issue out by the concession stand.

The new track will also feature a mat on the track area during football games to help reduce the wear and tear on the surface.

Mansfield High School Principal Michael Connolly said that the real test of such a precaution would be when Mansfield faces a true rival, like Foxborough or North Attleboro, when the teams and fans crowd the area.

“The first real test will be when we face one of those big opponents,” he said.