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Rubberized surface of track oval removed
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Posted on Dec 20 2016
A Tang’s Corp. employee uses a payloader removes the rubberized surface of the Oleai Sports Complex track oval yesterday. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Resurfacing work at the track and field facility of the Oleai Sports Complex took a major step as the rubberized surface of the oval was removed yesterday.
Employees of Tang’s Corp. “peeled off” the eight-lane track oval using a payloader. The dirty and bubbled covered rubberized surface was piled up with the portion of the oval facing the grandstand completely stripped off.
“I am glad that the contractor is catching up with the resurfacing works. They are a bit behind since the notice to proceed came out mid last month,” said Tony Rogolifoi, executive director of Northern Marianas Sports Association, which is the caretaker of the Oleai Sports Complex.
“It is my understanding that this month the contractor will focus on clearing the track and field facility while waiting for the materials to arrive. Hopefully, in the latter part of January, the contractor will start replacing the surface,” Rogolifoi added.
With the rubberized surface gone, Rogolifoi, for the nth time, reminded the public not to go inside the track and field facility. Last weekend, despite the warning signs placed on the entrances of the oval, there were still a few people walking and playing at the track and the grass pitch.
“We are requesting for the public’s full cooperation to avoid accidents and not to disrupt the repair works at the facility,” Rogolifoi said.
Meanwhile, Rogoligoi disclosed that he is also following up on the paperwork for the renovation at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
“I will talk to Misamis Construction this week as I learned they are still waiting for more documents from procurement,” the NMSA official said.
“Hopefully, the improvement will begin late January or early February,” Rogolifoi added.
The Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield and the Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Softball Field will also undergo renovations next year. The repair work at the two fields are timely as Saipan will be hosting the 2017 Asia Pacific Regional Championships. The facilities at the Oleai Sports Complex will also be used for the 2021 Pacific Mini Games, which will come to Saipan for the first time.
