Major Resurfacing Work Set For Jamaica’s National Stadium Track

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Track and field in the nation of Jamaica is set for a major boost as The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, has announced a major resurfacing project for the running track at the  National Stadium in Kingston.

Major work is set to begin on the running track at the Jamaica National Stadium.Grange’s statement on Thursday comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain world-class athletic facilities in Jamaica.

“Nearly 14 years ago, I had the privilege of leading the installation and opening of the new running track at the National Stadium. Over the years, we’ve carried out several repairs to maintain the track, including a major resurfacing in 2021. However, recent assessments have shown that a complete resurfacing is now urgently needed,” said Grange.

The project will take advantage of a narrow window between the conclusion of the Gibson McCook Relays on Saturday and the start of the highly anticipated Boys and Girls Champs in March. Minister Grange emphasized the urgency of the work, stating they will be “working around the clock to ensure everything is in place”.

The resurfacing will be carried out by Rekortan, a globally recognized supplier with over 50 years of experience in track development. Materials for the project have already been shipped, and engineers are on the ground in Jamaica conducting preparatory work.

Funding for the project, totaling US$350,000, has been secured with the support of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Finance Fayval Williams. Independence Park Limited, which oversees the stadium complex, is collaborating with Grand Slam Track to ensure the project is completed swiftly and efficiently. Work is scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 23.

The new track will incorporate the latest performance-enhancing technology and is expected to showcase Jamaica’s commitment to excellence in athletics. It will debut at the Boys and Girls Champs in March, followed by the global Grand Slam Track event in April.