School officials announced this week that the new Chelsea Stadium is nearing completion and should be ready for use within the next few weeks.
The new track will bear the name of Bernard Berenson, a late teacher and track coach who was inducted into the state Coaches Hall of Fame.
According to Facilities Director Joe Cooney, recent rainfall has hindered the track surfacing work, though he noted that most other components of the long-anticipated Stadium project have been finished.
“We’re getting very close,” he said. “When
it’s done, it’s going to look dynamite.”
While the football field is entirely complete, the track has presented challenges, Cooney explained.
The new football field presents an impressive sight, yet the track installation has proven difficult due to recent wet weather conditions. Construction began last summer with an expected completion date at the end of May.
A base coat of asphalt has already been applied, but the rubberized surface layer cannot be installed during rain—a significant obstacle given the recent weather patterns that have caused substantial delays.
The track will feature two layers of rubberized surface, Cooney noted, and once completed will provide an exceptionally fast running surface.
Remaining work includes installing light conduits, constructing permanent bathrooms, and making bleacher improvements.
Cooney emphasized the need to finish by early May because graduation ceremonies are scheduled on the new field for June 9.