Track resurfacing must be done properly to ensure longevity

Resurfacing of the Oleai Sports Complex track facility must be done properly to ensure longevity. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Gardner said new technology of laying out the track had been developed to make sure it will last longer

“Laying out the new track depends on the process and the people who are going to do it. We have better technology of doing and maintaining it,” said the OAA chief, who is in his second term after being reelected in 2011.

“If the existing track’s surface is to be removed very quickly it should also be replaced quickly,” Gardner said.

He added that at least two months are needed in resurfacing the track but it still depends on the condition of the sub surface and the adhesives that will be used.

“It all boils down to preparation. They have to prepare it properly for the track to last a lot of years.”

Gardner said he and other OAA officials—executive director Yvonne Mullins, vice president Trevor Spittle and treasurer Titana Juventin—had discussions with NMSA and NMA officials on the proper process of resurfacing the track during their two-day visit on Saipan last month.

“You got to get it right from day one. If it is poorly prepared then you will end up with a poor surface. Everyone is committed to making sure they can get as many years out of the new track oval.”

Gardner said that a proper maintenance program must also be followed after the resurfacing.

“If it is properly looked after, the new surface of the track will give you hopefully at least 10 to 15 years,” said Gardner

He added that CNMI athletics would gain a lot once the resurfacing of the Oleai track is completed.

“It will be great for athletics in the CNMI. OAA, as demonstrated in the past, is a strong supporter of the Micronesia and Marianas regions. We love coming here for events and Saipan has shown it can manage to host not only Micronesian regional games but obviously full blown Oceania Championships that’s why we’re looking forward to coming back here in the future,” Gardner said.

He added OAA will give its 100 percent support to NMA and Saipan as it prepares to host the 2021 Pacific Mini Games.

NMSA is hoping to begin resurfacing the track oval later this year or early 2015 as soon as it received the Community Development Block Grant from the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. NMSA will also consult an architect and engineer to further assess the facility so the bidding process could also begin.

The Oleai track facility got a Level II certification from the International Association of Athletics Federation before and NMSA is aiming to get that rating back. Harsh weather conditions plus years of use contributed to the deterioration of the facility. (Jon Perez)