OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Offutt Field House opened the expanded running track that encircles the much of the 220 thousand square foot fitness facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held May 16.
U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynold, commander of the 55th Wing, along with integral members of the 55th Civil Engineering Squadron who were responsible in coordinating the nearly half-mile-long running track, were in attendance for the grand opening.
To commemorate the re-opening of the track, two of the fastest, recorded men and women ran the inaugural lap side by side.
“The new track feels great!” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trenton Piel. “You can certainly tell the difference in the quality and quantity of the padding used. Compared to the old track, the new track does a much better job at absorbing impact.”
The 55th Civil Engineering Squadron said the replacing the track was necessary.
“The existing track had met its expected life cycle and wes beginning to show wear and tear,” said Kelly Korenoski, chief of construction with the 55th CES. “The track was losing its structural integrity.”
Though the blue color of the track remains, little other comparisons exist. The new track, made from natural and synthetic rubber compounds, is noticeably thicker than its predecessor. The ergonomic, multisport surface known as “Protraxx” has been certified for use in National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The new track expands on the previous version by two feet, increasing the width to a total of ten feet. The wider surface is intended to free up track congestion during peak hours as well assist in military physical training exercises. The walk and stroller lane, divided by a white line on the surface, still exists.
The final installation costs for the Protraxx track was right at $300,000 to include labor and materials. Funding for the project, came from the 55th Force Support Squadron’s appropriated end-of-year funds from 2015.
“The new track should last for about 10 years depending on the frequency of use,” Korenoski said.
Members of Team Offutt or one of its many tenant units, have been using the historic parade fields for their physical training while the new track was being installed. Now that the track has been completed two months ahead of schedule, members can return to the field house to accomplish their training requirements.