MAINTENANCE
In order to insure the maximum life span of your running track, the following procedures and considerations must always be taken into account, and exercised regularly:
Important:
No rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards, bicycles, tricycles, wheelchairs or any other self propelled, or otherwise-propelled wheeled apparatus shall be allowed on the facility.
Limit vehicular traffic:
Limit vehicular traffic to light-weight maintenance equipment and mowers ONLY
Mower operators must elevate mowers to maximum height and all equipment should cross areas on plywood or crossing-mat protected paths
If other vehicles MUST use the track:Avoid standing still and operating power steering
Avoid gasoline and oil spillage and drippings from all motorized equipment and vehicles
Avoid jack rabbit starts
Avoid slamming on breaks
Team crossing areas & heavy foot traffic areas:
Lay crossing mats
Rubber Belting
Artificial Grass
A Midwest Track Builders approved crossing mat
* Each of the above is preferable to plywood
Apply a six inch spray of water base vegetation killer:
On all edges where grass abuts(i.e. Round-Up by Monsanto)
Once monthly during growing season
Every 60 days during dormant periods
When and if ant infestation becomes apparent, and this typically appears at the edges, curbing, and/or in existing cracks, we suggest that a powder application of Orthene (by Ortho) be immediately applied. A comparable type of insecticide may be as effective. Always follow the written manufacturer’s directions.
Use weed eaters only if extreme caution is taken not to allow cutting line to contact surfaced area.
Do not use any fertilizers near and avoid all fertilizer contact with your track. Fertilizer contact will result in staining your track (If container warns of concrete staining, it will also stain your track.) In addition, do not get any grass seed on the track, as it will grow.
Do not use surface area for storage.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Irrigation equipment and pipes
Hurdles – high jump or pole vault standards – pits
Bleechers
Lift and carry equipment for placement. Do not drag equipment!
Coaches:
Try to provide even wear on each lane.
Alternate lanes for practice, daily. (Use different lanes for Starts, Hurdles, Hand-offs, Distance)
Be alert for individuals intentionally damaging the surface with spikes, vandalism, etc.
Maximum spike length: 1/4″ Preferred: 3/16″
Signs can be helpful: (Examples)
No wheeled vehicles or pets allowed on track.
No rollerblades, rollerskates, skateboards, etc. permitted.
Joggers – Please use outside 3 lanes only.