Coaches, residents push for Frank Lloyd Wright track renovation; board reviews community-commons plan

Public commenters and coaches told the board that renovating the Frank Lloyd Wright track would benefit athletes and the wider community by increasing safe, local practice space and reducing transportation demands. Resident Mark Klobukowski said the track once drew consistent users and called it a vital community resource. Coach Bailey Leonard said the project would reduce reliance on buses and increase practice time: "Having a track within walking distance or running distance would make a tremendous difference," he said.

At the workshop, Shelley (rec/facilities presenter) reviewed renderings and a concept for a Frank Lloyd Wright "community commons" that would add an 8-lane polyurethane track, areas for jumping and throwing events, synthetic turf fields, bleachers and a restroom/concession building. She described additional amenities such as sidewalks, a small amphitheater and improved stormwater management. Shelley said the combined outdoor commons budget was "just under $10,000,000" and emphasized safety measures, coordinating school schedules, and ramped access for ADA compliance; staff also discussed options for lighting, netting for throwing events, and phased construction if needed.

Coaches and community members emphasized practical benefits: reduced bus costs, more consistent practice schedules, and the chance to host meets locally. The board asked about operational impacts, scheduling between schools, and how the district would balance community use during school hours; staff said schedules and permitting would be used to manage shared access and that staff presence would provide supervision during permitted community use.