School District digs into $1.3M track project

It has been a decade since Ozaukee High School hosted a track and field meet, but that will change next season.

Work is underway to rebuild the track for $1.3 million.

The job was identified as a priority by the district and Rettler Corp., a landscape design and architecture firm based in Stevens Point, in developing a long-term outdoor plan for the district’s property in 2018.

“Our district was last able to host a high school conference meet on the track in 2016 due its deteriorating condition,” administrators wrote in a memo to the Northern Ozaukee School Board.

The board approved the job last fall as part of the district’s budget. It is paying for the work with savings in the district’s fund balance account, essentially a savings account for unexpected expenses.

“Throughout the years, we had earmarked money originally set aside for a track resurface but the original plan was later determined not the best financial decision as it would only be a temporary fix,” administrators wrote in the memo.

“The district then put together promotional materials and tried for a capital campaign to help fund the overall project. That campaign effort raised some funding, but nowhere near enough to complete the full project. After years of deferring the project, it was discussed at multiple board workshops and the board determined to move the project forward with district funds.”

During the past year, administrators, the Building and Grounds Committee and coaches determined the best layout and plan for the track and field upgrade while keeping financial implications in mind.

“Compromises were made on all ends to develop the best outcomes for our track and field program, work within the space limitations on our district’s property, and continue to be financial stewards with district funds,” the memo said.

H&H Civil Construction of Collins came in with the lowest of four bids to do the reconstruction work at $1.18 million. That job includes addressing drainage and doing work around the new maintenance building.

Upper Midwest Athletic Construction of Andover, Minn. came in with the lower of two bids to do the surfacing and line painting for $135,715.

The district budgeted $1.5 million for the work.

The Warriors’ track and field team did a final run on the old surface a couple of weeks ago, even wearing florescent yellow shirts that read “RIP Concrete Jungle, 2026 — The Last Run.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in fall.