128 S. Vine Street I West Union, IA 52175 I p:563.422.5131 I f:563.422.5884 I www.fehr-graham.com Insight. Experience. Results.

August 8, 2016 Dr. John Robbins, Superintendent Iowa Falls CSD 1124 Union St. Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Re: Track Improvements, Iowa Falls CSD Dear Dr. Robbins: Fehr Graham along with StruXture understands the Iowa Falls Community School District is in need of upgrades to the existing 8 lane running track. This facility is located northwest of the high school, west of the softball field, and surrounds a practice football field. Construction of the track was in the mid-1980’s, putting the age at 30+ years. It appears there has been no major reconstruction since, with just recoating of the all-weather surfacing. A more significant upgrade than just resurfacing is now necessary and the school has discussed the possibility of relocating the track to the current football stadium. The following is our preliminary assessment of work that would be required at both locations to provide a long-lasting running track. Existing Location As discussed above, the current track is located west of the softball field surrounding a practice football field. A walkway connects the northwesterly high school football field to the southeast corner of the track area. The track itself and bleachers do not have an accessible entrance meeting current ADA requirements. Access to the track is now by a step system at the southeast corner of the track. Bleacher access is on grass. The original track design shows a 6” thick crushed stone base with 2” hot mix asphalt (HMA) base course and 1” thick Reslite (rubber/asphalt product) surface course. Core samples taken in 4 locations around the track in 2016 indicate the crushed stone base called for in original plans does not appear to have been constructed per plan. Approximately 4” of gravelly sand was found to be the base material. In most locations, this material was placed over a topsoil layer. Core samples verify the 2” HMA base course exists as well as the original Reslite surface and subsequent all-weather surfacing. The track surface does show some locations with cracking, a sign of a weak base at those locations. The surface was designed with a 29.5-foot width and 1% cross slope. The track itself does not see heavy loading once constructed, but does need to be able to withstand the loading seen during resurfacing. Drainage, both surface and subsurface is the key to a long lasting track once constructed. The current track/practice football field is drained by a series of intakes located around the

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track interior. This is piped to the outside of the track and connects to the overall storm drainage system existing for the sports fields. This drainage system seems adequate to remove the surface waters from the track area, however a subsurface drain system (tile) connected to a crushed stone base would provide longer life for the track surfacing. The following items have been noted and should be addressed in a track reconstruction project at the existing location:

• As a minimum the existing all-weather surfacing and Reslite layer will need to be removed (to the original HMA layer with a new 2”+ HMA layer added, then new all-weather surfacing. This does not address any deficiencies in the base below the asphalt or with the existing asphalt. No guarantees would be made that the new HMA layer could be constructed without damaging the existing base. Ideally, the entire track system (sand, HMA, Reslite, surfacing) is removed, subdrain tile placed, a new crushed stone base, new HMA (4” thick), with new surfacing. This will provide the longest life of the track.

• Existing asphalt width is 29.5’ +/-. This is narrow for 8 lanes. Ideally, this is widened to 30’. Full reconstruction would address this.

• Cross slope on the track surface was designed to be 1%. This is minimal. We typically design high school tracks with 1.5-2% cross slope, as this allows the surface water to more quickly drain from the track and reduces the number of flat spots that may hold water. A quick check of the track as it currently exists with a digital level shows there are several locations that have less than 1% slope. This will be addressed with reconstruction.

• Handicap accessibility to the track will need to be provided. This will involve reconfiguring of the entrance to the track. The walkway to this entrance can be no more than 5% slope.

• Walkway to the bleachers will be surfaced to allow handicap accessibility. • The southeast interior of the track does not currently drain well. There was

standing water in this area when I visited the track in July, not immediately after a rain. The addition of a surface intake and minor regrading will address this.

• High jump pad is 40’x80’. Current standard for this is 50’x100’, will plan on upsizing.

• Slope on high jump pad is to be 1% max. Reconstruction will allow for this slope.

• Long jump would be resurfaced. • Minor fence reconfiguration may be necessary to achieve required one

meter separation from lane line. • Bleacher replacement with capacity of 400.

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The estimated cost for reconstruction of the track in the existing location would be the following (subject to change upon final design):

• Track Removal/Demolition: $25,000 • New Track, High Jump, and Long Jump (excavation, crushed stone base,

tile, 4” thick HMA, surfacing): $400,000 • Surface Drainage Improvements: $5,000 • Access improvements: $25,000 • Bleacher replacement: $65,000 • Architectural Fees: $50,000

Total $570,000 Cadet Field Location Since it appears the existing track location would require complete reconstruction, the concept of relocating the track to the current football field (Cadet Field) has been discussed. This is not as simple as just constructing the track around the perimeter of the football field and being done. Several items play into a track project at this location. These are discussed further below. As a historical note, a track did previously exist around the perimeter of the football field, likely until construction of the track at its current location. The grading of this is still evident, especially at the southerly end. This track was no more than 6 lanes and extended to the easterly property boundary as there were no bleachers on the visitor (east) side. The current field has little for surface drainage features. It is believed native soils allow for infiltration. As part of the recent home side bleacher upgrade, a drain system was constructed with adequate depth and size to provide for future field upgrades and drainage improvements. This will serve as the outfall line for all drainage within the track and field area. Width is limited on existing school property for addition of a track and maintaining visitor side bleachers. A basic project would be construction of the track with a natural turf football field. A track will fit but football sidelines (playing field to inside of track) will be narrower than typical (expected to be a maximum of around 14.5’, typical is in the 20’+ range. Also, the football field is not currently centered east-west between a proposed track location. With this, the football field would need to be shifted. As a minimum this amounts to regrading of the crown, irrigation modification, sodding, and relocating goal posts. The existing restroom/concession building on the northerly side of the field conflicts with a new track and will need to be removed. A walkway to the visitor side bleachers would be relocated. A standard 400m track has 100m straights and curves. A track to fit existing property would be elongated north-south and narrower than standard. There is no regulation on this, so would be fine.

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Ideally, additional property to the east would be acquired to give additional width as will be discussed further below. If constructing a track at this location the following should be considered:

• Soccer play on field (soccer field widths may vary from 55 to 75 yards). For reference, a football field has a width of 53.3 yards. The current soccer field marked out at Cadet Field measured 57 yards in width from a recent aerial photo. Preferred width is 65 yards for soccer.

• Artificial field surface (Field Turf or equivalent). This would be entire area on inside of track (playing field for football and soccer).

If looking at soccer play with a track on existing property with existing visitor bleachers, the maximum width field that can be accommodated is 56 yards. This fits the allowable size, but is at the low end and would be just narrower than the existing soccer field as typically marked. A concept drawing is attached for both the 56 yard width (on existing property) and a 65 yard width (requires additional property to east). If additional property can be acquired, other width configurations could be constructed. Additionally, wider widths than 56 yards will require the existing east side lighting (poles) to be relocated. A Field Turf surface would be a definite possibility. Advantages include all-weather playability, flatter playing surface, reduced maintenance (irrigation, fertilizing, reseeding, etc..). The biggest disadvantage is cost. One must consider the future replacement costs of the surfacing in addition to the initial construction cost. The current design life of this surfacing is 10-13 years. Expect replacement to be in the $450,000 range in today’s dollars. Without doubt, Field Turf will be a costlier option when compared to natural turf, but there are advantages to this surfacing. The school should consider all when making a final decision. With the restroom/concession building needing to be relocated, a new building will be constructed. The current building code dictates significantly more restroom fixtures be provided for the stadium capacity than is existing. An upsized concession area may be desirable. A preferred location for this would appear to be in the northwest corner of the stadium area. The estimated cost is for a structure with dimensions of 48’ x 67’. Field event locations will be provided: high jump pad on track interior, long jump at north side of field exterior, shot put and discus at south side of field exterior. With this concept, we have included a small (200 person capacity) bleacher at the finish line along with a paved walkway around the outside perimeter of the track along with new fencing. Estimated cost, based on a 56 yard width with Field Turf, would be the following (subject to change upon final design):

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• Demolition: $25,000 • Track: $400,000 • Field Events: $40,000 • Field Turf (grading, drain system, base, curbing, field surface, basic

markings): $1,000,000 • Perimeter walkway/patio: $95,000 • Fencing: $35,000 • Finish Line Bleachers $30,000 • Restroom/Concession Building: $650,000 • Architectural Fees: $165,000

Total $2,440,000 A few questions have been passed on regarding construction of a track at Cadet Field. These include:

Q. Can a football field, soccer field and track can appropriately/safely fit within the designated area without compromising the quality of any of the three venues? A. All appear to fit, but is definitely on the minimal side. This would be significantly better with additional property to the east. Sideline area between edge of football field and track is narrow. Q. What happens to the existing drainage system? A. Existing drainage system appears to be limited. New intakes placed east of home side would be relocated and a new drain system connected. Expect a new drainage system utilizing the piping constructed with the bleacher project. Q. What happens to the existing irrigation system? A. Expect full reconstruction of this system if natural turf is used. Regrading of field will require this along with modifications of current sideline areas due to track construction. Q. What happens to visitor bleachers? A. Existing bleachers could remain if no additional property is acquired. Bleachers could fairly easily be relocated if more property is acquired. Q. Is there room for field events with additional property? A. There appears to be adequate space on current school property, but will be a tight fit.

To summarize, relocation of the track to Cadet Field is a possibility and would provide for a terrific athletic facility. The acquisition of property to the east would enhance the final product, without a doubt. The cost estimates provided

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above are preliminary in nature as design services have not been undertaken. These will be revised as design proceeds but can be used as a general guide for decision making. As for timing of this project, the ideal time for bidding is in the mid-January to early March range. To accommodate this, design should be underway by mid fall. Please let us know any questions you may have. We are more than willing to provide additional concepts and more detailed cost estimates of a preferred concept or concepts. Sincerely,

Jon Biederman, P.E., L.S.I. Branch Manager Cc: StruXture attachments

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IOWA FALLS TRACK RELOCATION CONCEPT

NARROWED 400M TRACK TO FIT 56YD FIELD

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IOWA FALLS TRACK RELOCATION CONCEPT

WIDENED 400M TRACK FOR 65 YD SOCCER FIELD

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