Track to get Beynon surface

The Hartselle Board of Education decided to stay with the Beynon surface for the new track and field facility at Hartselle High School.

At a July 3 work session, HHS project manager Jim Maynard with Martin and Cobey Construction in Athens suggested changing the surface to latex to help offset costs of having to sod the new football practice field, which is located inside the track.

School Superintendent Vic Wilson said they used latex at Mountain Brook High School and experienced problems with it after just three and a half years. He added the Beynon surface will enable the school to host state track meets, which would bring visitors to Hartselle.

HHS track coach Kenny Lopez said moisture problems, which do exist on the property, could also shorten the lifespan of a latex track surface.

Board member Randy Sparkman reminded the board that they seem to have a pattern of making last minute changes resulting in more money being spent on the new school.