Old Rochester Finally Getting New Track at High School

A new track for Old Rochester Regional High School has been a long time coming.

When the TURF movement at the school first started gaining steam in 2016, the track was included as part of the plan to "Restore ORR." The track was falling apart and, by some accounts, reported as "dangerous" to users seven years ago.

In the fall of 2020, the infield of the track got a makeover which was a big improvement for the grass, but the track was not repaired.  Replacing an antiquated track with a modern-day model using improved materials can be a costly project.

But it is finally happening.

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According to Superintendent Michael Nelson, the track at ORR will be closed this spring as it is being resurfaced. Work on the track is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 3.  Nelson says it will be closed to all school activities, athletics and the public.

ORR's track and field teams will temporarily practice at neighboring schools' facilities and will forego all home track meets for the spring season.

A press release from the school describes the current track as "cracked and deteriorated" and "beyond its life expectancy," acknowledging that the track is "unsafe" for students or the community to use. The resurfacing is expected to make the track safe once again for years to come.

"We would like to express our appreciation to the area school districts who are allowing our student-athletes to use their track facilities this spring," Athletic Director Bill Tilden said. "With their partnerships, we will be able to limit disruption to the season for our track and field teams."

The superintendent added: "We thank everyone who has supported and contributed to this project over the past year, including our community members, school committee and town officials who recognized the project's importance and approved the necessary funding as part of the FY23 Operating Budget."