The Guthrie Public Schools Board of Education has approved a major renovation project for the district’s track facility, selecting a lower bid that officials say will provide a higher-quality surface.
During the July 13 board meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved, 6-0, accepting the bid from TGS Sports, LLC for the running track renovation project at $182,300.
The district received bids on July 8, with two companies submitting proposals. Merritt Tennis Court & Track Systems submitted a bid of $274,000, while TGS Sports submitted the lowest bid at $182,300. Three other companies — Performance Surfaces, United Turf and Track, and ProTech Track and Tennis — submitted no bids.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson recommended accepting the TGS Sports bid after district officials conducted additional research on the company and its proposed track system.
“I always get a little concerned when there’s a big gap, especially when the one that is much lower we have not worked with before,” Simpson told the board. “But I can tell you that I have done some due diligence with our architectural firm. They have worked with this group extensively, and they said they have been very good to work with.”
Simpson said TGS Sports representatives also visited Guthrie to inspect the existing track before submitting their bid.
“They actually put eyes on it before they bid on this, so they knew what they were dealing with,” he said.
While Merritt previously completed the district’s last track resurfacing project, Simpson said the TGS proposal included a superior system compared to the competing bid.
“Upon further review, this system is actually a better system than what Merritt bid as well,” Simpson said.
TGS Sports is based in Texas but has completed projects throughout Oklahoma, including work at Edmond Memorial, Edmond North, Yukon, and Newkirk.
New Polyurethane Surface
One of the biggest differences between the two proposals is the material used for the track surface.
The current track utilizes a latex system, while the new TGS Sports system will use polyurethane, which officials described as a higher-quality and more durable material.
“Polyurethane is the better material,” Simpson explained. “Latex is what we have, and it is typically lesser cost.”
Both systems included a five-year warranty. Officials said the expected lifespan beyond the warranty period will depend heavily on how the track is maintained.
Board members discussed the importance of protecting the new surface after installation, especially with increased use of the facility by school teams and community members.
Potential maintenance improvements include limiting golf cart traffic on the track, preventing chairs and equipment from being placed on the surface, and requiring football players to walk across protective coverings instead of directly on the track.
Officials said the track has seen increased use in recent years with participation growing in multiple sports, as well as increased interest among younger athletes through elementary programs.
The district also noted the previous track renovation was completed when bond project funds were limited, and officials made decisions at the time to address the deteriorating condition of the surface while being mindful of available funds.
“This time we didn’t let it get as bad, and then we made this improvement,” Simpson said.
Be the first to comment on "Guthrie Public Schools approves $182,300 track renovation project"