By: Jordan Frantz

July 5, 2024 the renovations on the Bellbrook High School track and turf were complete. New track, new paint, and new turf provide the athletes a whole new experience. 

The old track and turf in the high school stadium was 16 years old. Typically track and turf lasts around 10-12 years. 

“The old turf wasn’t terrible, but definitely needed a refresh,” senior marching band member Isabella Bird said. “The old turf looked and felt like it was in rough condition. Having practice and performing on the new surface is so much better. As well as that, it looks so much better.”

“The new turf is so much better than the old turf,” senior soccer player Caitlyn Hansen said. “The old turf always had more turf pellets than turf, and this year the new turf actually has an even amount of both. Another benefit of the new turf is the color. The alternating green across the field and the purple end zones make the turf look so much nicer.”

“The new track feels so much better to run on,” senior cross country runner Connor Spriggs said. “It feels softer when I take steps on it which helps with my knee pain. The old track had some rough patches, especially in the pole vault area, so I’m glad to have had them fixed.”

The new track and turf  is offering athletes a better surface to play on and could even be an important factor in preventing injuries. 

“My favorite part about using the new turf is the feel of it and how it might prevent injuries that the old turf could have caused,” senior football player AJ Bratka said. “I personally did not like the old turf because it felt like concrete whenever I fell on it or tried to make a tackle.”

Athletes can experience less pain and more enjoyment with the new renovations. “This week we’ve run on it everyday, and some of the girls that run track say that it is better on their legs, so I’m happy the new layer is making a difference,” junior cross country runner Lena Underbakke said.