Greater Latrobe considers adding lanes as part of Memorial Stadium track update

Greater Latrobe School District is considering widening its track at Memorial Stadium as part of a proposed update of the running surface.

The school board has agreed to work with architectural consultant SHP on a plan that could include expanding the track in Latrobe from six lanes to eight lanes.

Originally constructed in 1998 and resurfaced in 2010, the track is in need of extensive work, according to the board’s facilities committee. While the track is being updated, widening it for increased capacity of runners also would expand its usability, a committee report noted.

“The expansion will enable us to host larger events, including regional and state-level competitions that require an eight-lane track,” said Kurt Thomas, the district’s director of facilities, operations and planning. “Additionally, we look for these improvements to strengthen our collaborations with local community partners.”

Greater Latrobe Parks and Recreation is among organizations that regularly schedule events using the Memorial Stadium track. Its most recent event there was the 4th of July Firecracker 5-Mile Run and 2-Mile Walk on June 29.

Thomas said it’s too early in the planning stages to estimate what the track project may cost or to determine construction details.

“Widening the track to eight lanes will necessitate re-configuring the surrounding infrastructure,” he said. “The new track will adhere to traditional NCAA/PIAA-sanctioned design and construction standards.”

“It’s a definite advantage for a school district and a track and field program to have eight lanes available for conducting invitationals and WPIAL playoff meets,” said Ron Colland, veteran Hempfield Area track coach. “It does provide an opportunity for more athletes to compete, and it saves time in running a large meet.”

Having two extra lanes allows officials to award medals to two additional runners placing in a regional meet, Colland pointed out.

Norwin is among high schools in the region that have an eight-lane track while Hempfield Area is not.

WPIAL team track championships are held on eight-lane tracks at West Mifflin and Peters Township. Previously held on Baldwin’s eight-lane track, the individual championships now are held at Slippery Rock.

SHP previously worked with the district in assessing facilities needs. Among an initial list of potential improvements presented in 2022 were between $1.8 million and $2.5 million in possible work at Memorial Stadium — including replacement of field lights with LED versions, resurfacing of the track, roof repairs and improvements to the locker room and press box.

Greater Latrobe subsequently focused on an overall district facilities plan calling for at least $182 million in proposed construction and renovations. That plan was projected to raise district property taxes by 24 mills by 2039, but it was halted in January by a seven-member majority of the school board that included four new members elected in November.

“We have been considering potential enhancements for Memorial Stadium even before finalizing the facility master plan,” said Thomas.