For the first time in history, Hillsboro and Central Valley track and field athletes have a place of their own to stretch their legs and run to victory.

With the grass seeded around the outside of the football field, the Hillsboro Sports Complex is ready to give athletes, fans and community members an experience school officials hope will serve as a boon to attract families and boost the city's economy.

"In a small town, you have to recruit families to live here, and this helps," Hillsboro Superintendent Paula Suda said. "Families are looking for what their kids can do."

Residents approved a $1.5 million bond referendum for the sports complex in April by 61.5 percent vote, with construction beginning shortly after that. Though wet weather delayed construction, the project wrapped up about two weeks ago, and an open house is scheduled for Oct. 28, Suda said.

The complex boasts an eight-lane running track, along with vaulting and throwing areas, making it a contender for track and field meets and regional tournaments, said Dave Nelson, athletic director for the Hillsboro-Central Valley sports co-op.

"We've gone out of our way to make sure we have a good facility that is worthy of having region track meets," he said.

Other upgrades have been made to Hillsboro's outdoor facilities. Fans coming to watch the game will notice the three wooden benches built into a hill have been replaced by an elevated bleacher stand that can hold 500 people. The bleachers are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing ramps, extra space and railing for safety.

A press box sits at the top of the stands with separate rooms for coaches and reporters. The press box also has access to the roof for a better view of the field, and the positioning of the structure allows for a wider view of the field.

The previous press box, which has been moved to the baseball field east of the complex, was positioned so those inside had to peer out the windows to see the scoreboard. The scoreboard is now visible from the new press box, which has sliding windows and internet.

"Everyone will have a good seat because it is elevated," Suda said.

A small shack that served as the school's concession stand has been replaced by a heated 1,500-square-foot building. Inside, fans can come out of the elements into the main area to order food, and concession workers have a separated area with a kitchen to prepare snacks.

The school also built enclosed bathrooms with six stalls each in the women's and men's restrooms. A shed to store track and field equipment also was built to keep those items from being damaged in the weather.

 

Source : grandforksherald.com

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