If you haven’t been by Mettner Field lately you are missing out on a long-awaited, much needed and positively hopeful event. Fisher Tracks began construction of the new track on June 24.
The track had needed repairs for several years when Superintendent Scott Crenshaw went out for estimates on both repairing and rebuilding the track. The estimated costs of the job were staggering. The USD 298 Board of Education discussed their options along with the expense for several months.
Knowing replacement was a more long-term solution, and knowing the district could not afford a project of this size, local entrepreneur John Baetz formed a committee to explore the fundraising possibilities. Their consensus was the track was a doable project with the right fundraising.
Multiple events were staged to secure funding for the track. They obtained private donations and donations from local businesses, grants and hosted fundraising events. After years of arduous work, they raised enough to begin the project. After looking at options for contractors, the group decided on Fisher Tracks. Fisher Tracks is an active member of the American Sports Builders Association, ensuring best built practices, while keeping current on all governing body rules changes.
They keep four Certified Track Builders on staff with multiple installation crews to assure the timely completion of a project. The Certified Track Builder (CTB) program was developed by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) to establish consistent, highlevel professional standards and to improve the practice of track construction. Candidates for certification must pass a comprehensive examination on track construction and maintenance, as well as fulfill a set of prescribed standards for experience that demonstrates an elevated level of knowledge in track construction.
The Fisher family has over 50 years of experience and has been located in the Midwest since 1983, exclusively installing track surfaces. They have received more than 35 American Sports Builders Association Outstanding Facilities of the Year awards, including the Distinguished Outdoor Track Facility. Sam Fisher is the recipient of the distinguished industry Merit Award as presented by ASBA. The Industry Merit Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to ASBA and the industry.
With the help of all who volunteered and donated, USD 298 will not only be able to boast state track stars every year, but a quality track built by a quality well established professional company.
The track will be closed during construction.
