A new track is open to the public at Saghalie Park in Federal Way.

On June 7, funding was approved to replace the existing track at Saghalie Park. Federal Way Public Schools partnered with the City of Federal Way to bring this new track to fruition.

Any person could see the wear and tear on the track. Countless holes, gashes and de-lamination created problems for the track — “moisture started to get under the layers of the track and it started to peel, which became a tripping hazard,” said Federal Way Parks Director John Hutton.

Because the school park doubles as a city park, it essentially doubles the use, Hutton said.

“It serves runners, walkers, track teams and [physical education] classes. It serves a big need and is well loved,” Hutton said of the park at 33914 19th Ave. SW.

There are times when the track isn’t loved too.

“As a shared facility that is open, it is more susceptible to vandalism, and misuse will give [the track] a shorter life,” he said.

There was also an occurrence when some drove a motorcycle onto the track and burned a hole through the entire track.

But the Federal Way parks department alongside Federal Way Public Schools have made efforts to keep the track in good shape, doing constant repairs and maintenance. But it is now time for a new one.

“The current track has been in service since 2013,” said Parks Deputy Director Jason Gerwen.

The makeover is top of the line, and the just-under $340,000 price tag gets a much higher graded track, with better materials that are more resilient and better performing especially with heavy use, Hutton said.

“We went with the best product,” said Hutton.

The funding for the project was split 50-50 with the school district. The city received money through the King County Youth and Amateur Sports grant for the project at $150,000, cutting the city’s actual portion of the cost to $19,160, according to the city.

The construction took just over five weeks starting at the beginning of school on Sept. 8 and finished Oct. 10. Even though the track was delayed a little, “I am very happy with the contractors because they finished on target.” Hutton said.