Salem High School's Athletic Track Field To Get Upgrade

SALEM, NH — A new and improved track field is being planned at Salem High School to meet current safety requirements. The new track will feature a new configuration making the shape of the track wider yet less lengthy, to keep the track further away from the wetlands just to the north of the field, according to current plans. School District officials hope to have the new track ready by the start of the upcoming school year.

Plans for the new field came before the Conservation Commission this week, with a request to impact 1,500 square feet of wetlands to the north of the track field. One resident who lives near the athletic track said the wetlands should not be touched by development. Still, the Conservation Commission recommended approving the impact on the wetlands in a 5-1 vote. The current plans will need additional approval.

The wetlands consist mostly of grass, as well as mud and some standing water, particularly in the spring. Superintendent Michael Delahanty said although the area used to be dry in the past, it has become a wetland in the past three or four years. A portion of the grass is mowed.

According to Chris Huntress, of the Huntress Associates architecture and planning firm, the new athletic track will remain at 400 meters in circumference, but the shape will be wider and shorter in length. He said the goal of the new configuration is to avoid the wetlands as much as possible. The new shape will allow for the school to host sprints on one side, and hurdles on another side during track events.

The track field also has issues with deteriorating asphalt, which will also be addressed as part of improvements. Huntress said plans also include extending the longevity of the field.