August 8, 2016
Dr. John Robbins, Superintendent
Iowa Falls CSD
1124 Union St.
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Re: Track Improvements, Iowa Falls CSD
Dear Dr. Robbins:
Fehr Graham along with StruXture understands the Iowa Falls Community School
District is in need of upgrades to the existing 8 lane running track. This facility is
located northwest of the high school, west of the softball field, and surrounds a
practice football field. Construction of the track was in the mid-1980’s, putting
the age at 30+ years. It appears there has been no major reconstruction since,
with just recoating of the all-weather surfacing. A more significant upgrade than
just resurfacing is now necessary and the school has discussed the possibility of
relocating the track to the current football stadium. The following is our
preliminary assessment of work that would be required at both locations to
provide a long-lasting running track.
Existing Location
As discussed above, the current track is located west of the softball field
surrounding a practice football field. A walkway connects the northwesterly high
school football field to the southeast corner of the track area. The track itself
and bleachers do not have an accessible entrance meeting current ADA
requirements. Access to the track is now by a step system at the southeast corner
of the track. Bleacher access is on grass. The original track design shows a 6”
thick crushed stone base with 2” hot mix asphalt (HMA) base course and 1” thick
Reslite (rubber/asphalt product) surface course. Core samples taken in 4 locations
around the track in 2016 indicate the crushed stone base called for in original
plans does not appear to have been constructed per plan. Approximately 4” of
gravelly sand was found to be the base material. In most locations, this material
was placed over a topsoil layer. Core samples verify the 2” HMA base course
exists as well as the original Reslite surface and subsequent all-weather surfacing.
The track surface does show some locations with cracking, a sign of a weak base
at those locations. The surface was designed with a 29.5-foot width and 1% cross
slope.
The track itself does not see heavy loading once constructed, but does need to be
able to withstand the loading seen during resurfacing. Drainage, both surface and
subsurface is the key to a long lasting track once constructed. The current
track/practice football field is drained by a series of intakes located around the
128 S. Vine Street I West Union, IA 52175 I p:563.422.5131 I f:563.422.5884 I www.fehr-graham.com
Insight. Experience. Results.
August 8, 2016
Iowa Falls CSD
Page 2
track interior. This is piped to the outside of the track and connects to the overall
storm drainage system existing for the sports fields. This drainage system seems
adequate to remove the surface waters from the track area, however a subsurface
drain system (tile) connected to a crushed stone base would provide longer life for
the track surfacing.
The following items have been noted and should be addressed in a track
reconstruction project at the existing location:
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As a minimum the existing all-weather surfacing and Reslite layer will need
to be removed (to the original HMA layer with a new 2”+ HMA layer added,
then new all-weather surfacing. This does not address any deficiencies in
the base below the asphalt or with the existing asphalt. No guarantees
would be made that the new HMA layer could be constructed without
damaging the existing base. Ideally, the entire track system (sand, HMA,
Reslite, surfacing) is removed, subdrain tile placed, a new crushed stone
base, new HMA (4” thick), with new surfacing. This will provide the longest
life of the track.
Existing asphalt width is 29.5’ +/-. This is narrow for 8 lanes. Ideally, this
is widened to 30’. Full reconstruction would address this.
Cross slope on the track surface was designed to be 1%. This is minimal.
We typically design high school tracks with 1.5-2% cross slope, as this allows
the surface water to more quickly drain from the track and reduces the
number of flat spots that may hold water. A quick check of the track as it
currently exists with a digital level shows there are several locations that
have less than 1% slope. This will be addressed with reconstruction.
Handicap accessibility to the track will need to be provided. This will
involve reconfiguring of the entrance to the track. The walkway to this
entrance can be no more than 5% slope.
Walkway to the bleachers will be surfaced to allow handicap accessibility.
The southeast interior of the track does not currently drain well. There was
standing water in this area when I visited the track in July, not immediately
after a rain. The addition of a surface intake and minor regrading will
address this.
High jump pad is 40’x80’. Current standard for this is 50’x100’, will plan on
upsizing.
Slope on high jump pad is to be 1% max. Reconstruction will allow for this
slope.
Long jump would be resurfaced.
Minor fence reconfiguration may be necessary to achieve required one
meter separation from lane line.
Bleacher replacement with capacity of 400.
August 8, 2016
Iowa Falls CSD
Page 3
The estimated cost for reconstruction of the track in the existing location would
be the following (subject to change upon final design):
• Track Removal/Demolition:
$25,000
• New Track, High Jump, and Long Jump (excavation, crushed stone base,
tile, 4” thick HMA, surfacing): $400,000
• Surface Drainage Improvements: $5,000
• Access improvements:
$25,000
• Bleacher replacement:
$65,000
• Architectural Fees:
$50,000
Total
$570,000
Cadet Field Location
Since it appears the existing track location would require complete
reconstruction, the concept of relocating the track to the current football field
(Cadet Field) has been discussed. This is not as simple as just constructing the
track around the perimeter of the football field and being done. Several items
play into a track project at this location. These are discussed further below. As
a historical note, a track did previously exist around the perimeter of the football
field, likely until construction of the track at its current location. The grading of
this is still evident, especially at the southerly end. This track was no more than 6
lanes and extended to the easterly property boundary as there were no bleachers
on the visitor (east) side.
The current field has little for surface drainage features. It is believed native soils
allow for infiltration. As part of the recent home side bleacher upgrade, a drain
system was constructed with adequate depth and size to provide for future field
upgrades and drainage improvements. This will serve as the outfall line for all
drainage within the track and field area.
Width is limited on existing school property for addition of a track and maintaining
visitor side bleachers. A basic project would be construction of the track with a
natural turf football field. A track will fit but football sidelines (playing field to
inside of track) will be narrower than typical (expected to be a maximum of
around 14.5’, typical is in the 20’+ range. Also, the football field is not currently
centered east-west between a proposed track location. With this, the football
field would need to be shifted. As a minimum this amounts to regrading of the
crown, irrigation modification, sodding, and relocating goal posts. The existing
restroom/concession building on the northerly side of the field conflicts with a
new track and will need to be removed. A walkway to the visitor side bleachers
would be relocated. A standard 400m track has 100m straights and curves. A
track to fit existing property would be elongated north-south and narrower than
standard. There is no regulation on this, so would be fine.
August 8, 2016
Iowa Falls CSD
Page 4
Ideally, additional property to the east would be acquired to give additional width
as will be discussed further below.
If constructing a track at this location the following should be considered:
• Soccer play on field (soccer field widths may vary from 55 to 75 yards). For
reference, a football field has a width of 53.3 yards. The current soccer
field marked out at Cadet Field measured 57 yards in width from a recent
aerial photo. Preferred width is 65 yards for soccer.
• Artificial field surface (Field Turf or equivalent). This would be entire area
on inside of track (playing field for football and soccer).
If looking at soccer play with a track on existing property with existing visitor
bleachers, the maximum width field that can be accommodated is 56 yards. This
fits the allowable size, but is at the low end and would be just narrower than the
existing soccer field as typically marked. A concept drawing is attached for both
the 56 yard width (on existing property) and a 65 yard width (requires additional
property to east). If additional property can be acquired, other width
configurations could be constructed. Additionally, wider widths than 56 yards will
require the existing east side lighting (poles) to be relocated.
A Field Turf surface would be a definite possibility. Advantages include allweather playability, flatter playing surface, reduced maintenance (irrigation,
fertilizing, reseeding, etc..). The biggest disadvantage is cost. One must consider
the future replacement costs of the surfacing in addition to the initial construction
cost. The current design life of this surfacing is 10-13 years. Expect replacement
to be in the $450,000 range in today’s dollars. Without doubt, Field Turf will be a
costlier option when compared to natural turf, but there are advantages to this
surfacing. The school should consider all when making a final decision.
With the restroom/concession building needing to be relocated, a new building
will be constructed. The current building code dictates significantly more
restroom fixtures be provided for the stadium capacity than is existing. An
upsized concession area may be desirable. A preferred location for this would
appear to be in the northwest corner of the stadium area. The estimated cost is
for a structure with dimensions of 48’ x 67’.
Field event locations will be provided: high jump pad on track interior, long jump
at north side of field exterior, shot put and discus at south side of field exterior.
With this concept, we have included a small (200 person capacity) bleacher at the
finish line along with a paved walkway around the outside perimeter of the track
along with new fencing.
Estimated cost, based on a 56 yard width with Field Turf, would be the following
(subject to change upon final design):
August 8, 2016
Iowa Falls CSD
Page 5
•
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Demolition:
$25,000
Track:
$400,000
Field Events:
$40,000
Field Turf (grading, drain system, base, curbing, field surface, basic
markings):
$1,000,000
Perimeter walkway/patio:
$95,000
Fencing:
$35,000
Finish Line Bleachers
$30,000
Restroom/Concession Building:
$650,000
Architectural Fees:
$165,000
Total
$2,440,000
A few questions have been passed on regarding construction of a track at Cadet
Field. These include:
Q. Can a football field, soccer field and track can appropriately/safely fit
within the designated area without compromising the quality of any of the
three venues?
A. All appear to fit, but is definitely on the minimal side. This would be
significantly better with additional property to the east. Sideline area
between edge of football field and track is narrow.
Q. What happens to the existing drainage system?
A. Existing drainage system appears to be limited. New intakes placed east
of home side would be relocated and a new drain system connected.
Expect a new drainage system utilizing the piping constructed with the
bleacher project.
Q. What happens to the existing irrigation system?
A. Expect full reconstruction of this system if natural turf is used.
Regrading of field will require this along with modifications of current
sideline areas due to track construction.
Q. What happens to visitor bleachers?
A. Existing bleachers could remain if no additional property is acquired.
Bleachers could fairly easily be relocated if more property is acquired.
Q. Is there room for field events with additional property?
A. There appears to be adequate space on current school property, but will
be a tight fit.
To summarize, relocation of the track to Cadet Field is a possibility and would
provide for a terrific athletic facility. The acquisition of property to the east
would enhance the final product, without a doubt. The cost estimates provided
August 8, 2016
Iowa Falls CSD
Page 6
above are preliminary in nature as design services have not been undertaken.
These will be revised as design proceeds but can be used as a general guide for
decision making.
As for timing of this project, the ideal time for bidding is in the mid-January
to early March range. To accommodate this, design should be underway by mid
fall.
Please let us know any questions you may have. We are more than willing to
provide additional concepts and more detailed cost estimates of a preferred
concept or concepts.
Sincerely,
Jon Biederman, P.E., L.S.I.
Branch Manager
Cc: StruXture
attachments
IOWA FALLS TRACK RELOCATION CONCEPT
LONG JUMP
48'x67'
R96.2'
20
10
20
10
30
30
G
G
HIGH JUMP
30
40
50
40
30
40
20
20
50
10
10
10.7'
G
G
40
14.7'
SHOT
PUT
DISCUS
NARROWED 400M TRACK TO FIT 56YD FIELD
IOWA FALLS TRACK RELOCATION CONCEPT
15.0'
R135.8'
R72.8'
G
10
10
20
20
G
R72.8'
180.0'
30
30
40
40
22.5'
10.0'
10.0'
50
50
27.5'
40
20
10
G
G
20
10
30
65 YDS
30
40
106.0'
180.0'
15.0'
WIDENED 400M TRACK FOR 65 YD SOCCER FIELD