Construction for the new, all-weather track and field began at Vashon High School last week. This project is one that many in the athletic and broader island communities have wanted for years, as the old track was in such poor condition it was considered too dangerous for track meets.

With construction underway and slated to continue through summer, graduation for the class of 2018 will be held indoors. Once the track and field are completed, however, use of the facility is expected to increase considerably. Previously, to help maintain it, the field was only used about 50 times each year.

This project was made possible by a $9.9 million bond the community passed one year ago. Other projects included in the bond are exterior painting at Chautauqua, upgrades to the McMurray locker rooms, improvements to the bleachers at the high school, the addition of batting cages in the Chautauqua covered area and a partial renovation of Building K, which is home to StudentLink and FamilyLink programs, among several other efforts.

“I think everyone is excited, and we are all looking forward to having a track that everyone can use and a surface for the field that can be used so much more than the old one had been,” said Zabette Macomber, the school board chair.

She added that there is an ospreys nest on one of poles at the field that is slated to be removed; construction crews will wait for any young to leave the nest before removing the pole.

For more information about the projects underway at the district, see vashonsd.org/Page/2080