When and How to Build a New Track Facility: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Andrew Altieri, P.E.
- Jan 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 18

A new track facility is one of the most significant investments a school or community can make. A well-designed track can transform an athletic program, foster school spirit, and provide student-athletes with the tools they need to compete at their best. However, building a track is not just about pouring asphalt and painting lanes—it requires strategic planning, expert design, and professional construction to ensure durability, safety, and compliance with athletic regulations.
At AE Sports, we specialize in track facility design, master planning, and construction oversight to help schools and communities across Texas create championship-level facilities. Whether you're upgrading an existing track or building from the ground up, this guide will help you determine when to invest in a new facility and walk you through how to do it right.
When Is It Time to Build a New Track Facility?
1. Your Track Surface Is Showing Signs of Deterioration
Track surfaces typically last between 8 to 15 years, depending on usage, climate, and maintenance. If your track is showing signs of excessive wear, resurfacing or a complete rebuild may be necessary. Common indicators include:
Visible cracks or separation in the surface.
Areas of bubbling or peeling, which indicate improper bonding or subbase issues.
Fading or missing lane markings, making it difficult for athletes to compete safely.
Pooling water after rain, a sign of improper drainage that can lead to long-term structural damage.
At AE Sports, we perform detailed facility assessments to determine if your track needs resurfacing, repair, or full replacement. By evaluating factors such as surface hardness, drainage performance, and material integrity, we provide solutions that maximize longevity and performance.
2. Safety Concerns Are Increasing
A deteriorating track isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious safety hazard for athletes. Over time, track surfaces become harder and less forgiving, leading to increased injury risks such as:
Shin splints and stress fractures caused by poor shock absorption.
Slips and falls due to uneven surfaces or loss of traction.
Soft tissue injuries resulting from unpredictable footing.
Ensuring a track’s safety is not just about the surface itself. The underlying drainage system and subbase must also be properly designed to prevent erosion, subsidence, and cracking.
AE Sports specializes in designing track facilities that enhance safety through shock-absorbing surfaces and proper site engineering. Our track designs consider factors such as force reduction, slip resistance, and long-term durability to reduce the risk of injury.
3. Your Athletic Program Has Outgrown the Facility
If your school or district’s athletic program has expanded, your track facility may no longer meet the needs of your athletes. Consider the following:
Does your track have the required 8 lanes for UIL or NFHS competitions?
Are your field event areas (long jump, pole vault, high jump) adequate for training and meets?
Do you want to host district, regional, or state competitions, but your facility lacks the necessary features?
AE Sports designs track facilities that meet UIL and NFHS competition standards, giving schools the ability to host major meets while providing their athletes with a training ground that prepares them for the highest levels of competition.
4. Poor Drainage and Subbase Issues
Even if your track looks fine on the surface, underlying drainage or subbase issues can create long-term problems. Without proper drainage, water seeps under the track, leading to:
Soft spots that cause uneven footing.
Heaving or buckling, making the surface dangerous and unusable.
Premature surface failure, requiring costly repairs much sooner than expected.
AE Sports performs comprehensive site evaluations to determine the best drainage and subbase solutions for your facility. We design tracks with engineered drainage systems that prevent water accumulation, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of the surface.
How to Build a New Track Facility: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Conduct a Professional Facility Assessment
Before making any decisions, a professional assessment should be conducted to evaluate:
The condition of the existing track surface.
The integrity of the drainage and subbase.
The feasibility of resurfacing vs. full reconstruction.
AE Sports provides in-depth track facility evaluations that analyze every component of your facility, ensuring you make the most informed decision.
Step 2: Define Project Goals and Budget
Clearly defining your goals and budget prevents costly changes later in the process. Consider:
Will this be a practice-only track or a competition-grade facility?
What additional features do you need, such as lighting, bleachers, and field event areas?
What is your available budget, and what funding sources are available?
AE Sports guides schools through the budgeting and funding process, helping administrators maximize their investment while ensuring compliance with Texas school district standards.
Step 3: Select the Right Track Surface
Track surfaces vary in terms of performance, longevity, and cost:
Full-Pour Polyurethane: Used in Olympic and collegiate facilities, highly durable.
Sandwich System Polyurethane: A more budget-friendly alternative with strong performance.
Resilient Rubberized Surfaces: Cost-effective and good for multi-use facilities.
AE Sports helps schools select the best surface for their specific needs, ensuring a balance between cost, durability, and athlete performance.
Step 4: Develop a Site Plan and Design
A track facility is more than just the oval itself. Proper planning must include:
Field event areas such as long jump, pole vault, and shot put.
Drainage solutions to prevent standing water.
Spectator amenities such as bleachers and lighting.
AE Sports customizes each track design to fit the school’s specific needs, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
Step 5: Secure Permits and Approvals
Navigating local building codes, ADA requirements, and stormwater management laws can be overwhelming. AE Sports handles the entire permitting process, ensuring your project stays on schedule and meets all necessary regulations.
Step 6: Begin Construction and Installation
Construction involves:
Excavation and subbase installation.
Asphalt or concrete foundation laying.
Track surface application and lane striping.
AE Sports oversees construction to ensure quality workmanship and adherence to industry standards.
Step 7: Implement a Long-Term Maintenance Plan
To extend your track’s lifespan, a maintenance plan should include:
Regular inspections to identify early signs of wear.
Cleaning schedules to remove debris and contaminants.
Resurfacing every 8-10 years to maintain top performance.
AE Sports provides track maintenance consulting services to keep facilities in peak condition.
Build It Right the First Time
Your track facility is a long-term investment that will serve student-athletes for years to come. Working with a professional sports facility design firm like AE Sports ensures that your track is built to last, meets all regulations, and provides a safe and competitive environment for athletes.
Ready to take the next step? Contact AE Sports today to start designing a state-of-the-art track facility that will serve your community for generations.