From schools and recreational facilities to corporate and medical offices, there are a wide variety of facilities that can benefit from a rubber running track. When a rubber running track is designed and developed, you will find that you are able to better serve the people who utilize your facility.
Students with access to state-of-the-art recreational facilities have more opportunity to excel in their chosen sports, and they are able to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. Employees at offices benefit from being able to easily exercise at a time that is convenient, while medical offices can use a rubber running track to complement their physical therapy treatment plans.
No matter the reason, if you are going to enhance your facility with a running track, then it's important to invest in a high-quality rubber running track surface.
These tips will help you get started and build the best rubber running track possible for your facility.
Determine Your Budget and Site Location
Before you can begin laying out a plan and purchasing running track materials, you will need to start at the beginning. The first step toward building a running track for your facility is to establish a budget and find the best location for the track on your property.
Build a Budget for Your Project
Creating a dynamic budget for your project will allow you to financially prepare for the cost of designing the track, purchasing material, installing the new track and maintaining it for the long-term. You will need to consider a variety of factors in your budget, such as the cost of:
- Preparing the facility or property for construction.
- Hiring someone to design the track.
- Purchasing high-quality, long-lasting materials, such as the rubber running track surface.
- Construction and installation.
- Painting and preparing the track for use.
- Maintaining the track in the months and years ahead.
Select the Track Location
Once you have a budget established and approved for your project, you will need to decide where to place the track. Keep in mind that the location needs to meet certain criteria. You may need to consider:
- The grading of the landscape for an outdoor track.
- Local flood zones for an outdoor track.
- The ability to modify a facility for an indoor track.
- The size of the area versus the size of the track you desire.
- Zoning regulations that are in place.
- Permit requirements for your facility or municipality.
Plan and Design Your Running Track
Perhaps the most exciting stage of building a new running track is the planning stage. During this time, you can work with a team of experts in order to determine where your track will go, what it will look like and how it will benefit your facility.
During the planning and design phase, you will need to prepare for the following.
Choose the Appropriate Size for Your Running Track
The size of your running track will vary based on the space that you have available at your facility as well as your intended use for the running track. Generally, running tracks can be designed in specific dimensions according to their intended use, such as:
- Standard 400 meter running track.
- Standard 200 meter indoor running track.
- 300 meter running track.
- 200 meter running track.
- Spring track available in 50, 60 or 100 meters.
The standard 400-meter outdoor running track and 200-meter indoor running track are the most common dimensions, but small facilities may opt for the 300- or 200-meter tracks in order to accommodate a track within the confines of their space.
Select a Track Surface Material
The surface material that you choose plays a critical role in the final quality of your running track. It's necessary to choose a track surface that is not only affordable, but also designed with longevity and user safety in mind. The most common types of running track surface materials include:
- Asphalt — Asphalt is an option, but it is often avoided for a variety of reasons. To begin, it's very expensive to purchase asphalt. In addition, it's highly affected by the temperature, and it does not last as long as other surfacing materials.
- Concrete — Concrete tracks are notoriously difficult for people to use, and they can actually lead to injury. Concrete also can crack and break easily, particularly in areas that are affected by seasonal weather changes.
- Rubber — Rubber running track surface is one of the best choices for indoor and outdoor running tracks. Its spring-like surface helps protect the people who are utilizing the track, aids in draining the track and ensures that every runner is able to perform at their best.
A rubber running track surface is not only a cost-effective surfacing material, but it also offers the buoyancy needed for those who are going to be using it frequently. It is often considered to be the optimal surfacing material for both indoor and outdoor running tracks.
Determine the Track Layout
The layout of the track will be determined by the dimensions that you choose and the intended purpose for the track itself. In most cases, the track is shaped like an oval, with the final size being determined by the types of activities that will take place on the track.
Consider Additional Features to Enhance Your Track
As you design your track, you may want to consider additional features to enhance it, such as lanes, markings and drainage features.
Prepare for Construction and Installation
Once the design has been finalized, you can begin preparing for construction and installation. In most cases, it is best to hire a professional contractor in order to complete the installation process.
Your contractor may require you to prepare the site, which involves clearing the area and making sure that the ground where the track will be installed is level. Depending on the site and the location of the track, you also may need to work with subcontractors in order to have sub-base materials and drainage features installed.
Consider Maintenance and Upkeep
When your track is complete and ready for use, it's important to stick to a regular maintenance and upkeep schedule. This will ensure that the track remains in the best possible shape for many years to come. You can effectively maintain your new running track by:
- Properly caring for the rubber running track surface and cleaning it regularly.
- Promptly repairing any track surface damages.
- Protect the track surface during inclement weather or during the off-season.
- Provide all track users with information about how to properly use the track.
Find the Materials You Need to Build a Rubber Running Track From American Recycling Center
At American Recycling Center, we specialize in premium rubber granules that can be used to create a high-quality rubber running track surface. For more information about pricing and to find out how we can help you design the best possible running track for your facility, get a quote today.
