With strong support from donors, new track and field designs revealed

The University of Hartford has released designs for its new track and field. It offers a prime space for student-athletes, intramural team members, and the entire campus community.
 
Built to NCAA standards, the new addition to the athletics complex will feature a 400-meter, eight-lane “full pour” track that will surround a new synthetic turf tailored to field hockey, while a set of bleachers will be installed on the west side of the field, and lighting will allow for evening use. A storage building, bathrooms, and a throwing area are also planned for this project.
 
Sharon Beverly, vice president of Athletics and Recreation, states that Hartford will be a top facility in the Northeast for field hockey due to the quality of its field turf and lighting. “Adding a full-service track to support all track and field events will make our program a huge asset and help us reach national levels,” Beverly said.
 
According to University records this initiative led to the greatest single year of fundraising for athletics over the past 20-years.
 

Donors have already pledged more than $2.5million to the track and fields in early-stage fundraising. Most of the funding came from alumni, with one alumnus pledging a seven-figure lead gift. He will also be naming the facility. Dedicated corporate partners, including Stanley Black & Decker, CVS/Aetna, and Robinson & Cole LLP, will also be supporting the project. 
 
UHart may be the host of NCAA track and hockey and track and cross national championships once all is said and done.
 
It completes an athletics complex, which also includes baseball, softball and soccer fields, as well the Chase Family Arena, volleyball, swimming pool and fitness center. The track will include a high jump pit and sand pits to triple jump.
 
The track and field will be used to support wellness programs for all campus communities, as well as intramurals and recreation activities.
 
The space will be located adjacent to the baseball and soccer fields. It can be used for intramural and flag football games, ultimate Frisbee and soccer games. Two to three games can also be held simultaneously. This will be a huge boon to intramural teams that have been in dire need of more space because they are using existing fields heavily and also because there is a specific need for turf for weather conditions that can affect grassy areas on campus. 
 
Beverly stated, “We see the University’s vibrant DIII athletics programs and expanded recreation opportunities as valuable assets and we are delighted to be able offer this.”
 
The Inland Wetlands Commission of Hartford is currently reviewing the proposal. It will also be considered for consideration by Planning and Zoning Commission. Construction is expected to begin later in the year. 
 
See additional renderings