Work is underway on the half-million-dollar reconstruction of the Kaufman Track at Perry High School.
The school board voted April 12 to award the track reconstruction contract to J. B. Holland Construction of Decorah with their bid of $393,500 along with the cement stabilization alternate for $44,000.
The contract for the polyurethane surfacing of the track went to Fisher Tracks of Boone for $88,653, bringing the total project cost to $526,153.
Demolition and site preparation has begun, according to Ron Bollman, foreman with Holland Construction. Following demolition, reconstruction will start with 12″ of concrete-stabilized soil topped by 7″ of reclaimed aggregate from the old track surface, Bollman said.
Once the new base has had four weeks to settle, 4″ of concrete will be poured and finally the 2″ polyurethane surface will be laid over the concrete. A concrete walkway will then be paved, encircling the track.
The projected completion date for the project is Aug. 20.
Perry High School’s original cinder track was rebuilt 25 years ago at a cost of about $120,000 and dedicated Sept. 13, 1996, as the Jim Kaufman Memorial Track in honor of the 22-year Perry teacher and coach who died while jogging in April 1995. Donors to the new track included the Jim Kaufman Memorial Track Committee, the Perry Booster Club, the Perry Community School District Board of Directors and many private donors.
