The Carl Lewis Stadium Opens at Willingboro High School
On August 5, the official dedication ceremony took place outside Willingboro High School for the new Carl Lewis Stadium. In attendance were Senator Diane Allen, State Assemblyman Jack Conners, and many school district and Township officials. At the end of the ceremony, four of the High School’s top track team members inaugurated the new track by running a 400-meter relay while dozens of area residents and students cheered them on.
The original high school track was closed in April of 2000 due to deterioration that had taken place during its years of use. When LWR began the design for the reconstruction, they wanted to make this facility a top-of-the-line stadium that could host not only local events, but also regional and state track meets.
The new plans expanded the track from six lanes to eight and specified a EUROTAN WS athletic surface. This porous synthetic sport surface is comprised of a layer of polyurethane-bound rubber granules topped with a spray-applied coating, which forms a hard wearing surface that is resistant to U.V. degradation, abrasion, shrinkage, mold, and common oils and chemicals. In addition, an underdrain system was installed to eliminate ponding problems that had been occurring on the old track.
The reconstruction process also moved and upgraded the high jump, long jump, and pole vault areas in accordance with the National Federation of State High School Association’s standards. Black vinyl fencing was installed around the perimeter of the track. The existing concrete sidewalk that surrounded the facility was replaced and redesigned to provide ADA accessibility to all areas of the site including the grandstand and bleachers. Newly constructed ramps will provide access to the grandstand, and seating for handicapped persons will now be available. Other safety upgrades to the seating areas and stairways have also been completed.
The total cost for the Carl Lewis Stadium renovations were $768,000. A $300,000 state grant paid for a portion of the reconstruction, and the remainder of the money came from fundraisers and corporate donations. Olympian Carl Lewis and his family helped in the fundraising process. The gold-medalist grew up in Willingboro and spent his high school years as a track star at the stadium which now bears his name.
