New park building — a model of modern technology

In the early morning hours of April 23, 1984, fire struck the Westwood indoor track building owned by the Sterling Park District. Approximately five months later, a new, more energy efficient building, was back in operation.

A fire last April virtually destroyed a huge portion of the Sterling Park District's indoor track building, completely charring the interior. Fortunately, the facility was adequately insured for more than $1 million by a reputable company to cover losses.

By Frank Duis

The most difficult task in rebuilding the Westwood indoor track building was that, as an existing structure, it had to be built from the roof down. After a structural engineer determined that the 160-foot by 316-foot building was sound, the entire roof and all of the insulation were removed. A half of the 160-foot clear-span rigid frame, along with roof purlins in 10 bays of the structure, were replaced. Approximately 218 feet of the north and west walls of the building were also replaced. New paneling and insulation were put throughout the facility.

After careful study of the building's lighting, it was decided to relight the structure using 72,400-watt high pressure sodium fixtures over the 90-foot by 200-foot four-court volleyball/basketball area. Forty-eight 250-watt, high pressure sodium fixtures were put around the perimeter of the 200 meter, six-lane track. Previously, flourescent lighting was used throughout the facility. An annual savings of $9,417 is expected from this change.

The building was previously heated by infrared electric heaters. Park district officials explored more efficient means of heating the facility and settled on the Coray-vac radiant gas

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 January/February 1985

system. The system consists of a number of burners connected by pipes which radiate heat. The entire system is suspended from the ceiling with specially designed metal reflectors over the pipes. This directs the heat downward, warming the people and objects below. This new heating method is expected to reflect an annual savings of more than $15,000.

Another energy saving aspect is the color selection of paint. Utilizing insulated skylights, the entire interior walls and ceiling were painted white in the rebuilding process. Prior to this, with primed but not painted beams, purlins and ceiling, it was necessary to light the facility during the day rather than rely on the natural light through the skylights.

Another major concern was replacing the indented tartan track surface of this 50,560-foot facility. The Westwood indoor track was the last rolled goods floor installed by the 3M Company in 1974. Approximately 4,000 square feet of the floor had to be removed due to the 1,100 degree heat generated by the fire. This portion of the floor went to a liquid state and actually had to be dug out so that the new material could be poured to the existing 3/8 inch level.

Once the damaged area of the track was repaired, the entire floor was sanded. It was then scrubbed with a special cleaner prior to being primed for the two-part polyurethane elastomeric resin system developed for use in recreational and athletic surfacing.

Known as Sportan, this is a homo-genius material in which all elements are completely bound within its chemical structure. The material is hand poured and, using a notched trowel, 1/8 inch was applied to the entire floor surface. Then another 1/8 inch of material, known as EGS, was applied by sprayer to the floor. This gave it a rough texture suitable for all athletic events including track and field competition.

The color selection again played an important part of the district's effort to rebuild for energy efficiency. The 18,000-square-foot volleyball/ basketball area was changed to a tan color versus its original avacado green. This, coupled with the interior white walls and ceiling, adds to the facility's energy efficiency.

The new track was repoured in red, but it was resurveyed and relined in meters. The track prior to the fire was 220 yards, eight laps to the mile. The new track is 200 meters with all races in metric equivalents. Since the metric system had been adopted for the district's outdoor facilities, it would only be a matter of time before this requirement is mandatory for indoor tracks as well.

The Westwood facility is programmed with the Park District for the age-group track club; jogging; school rental; the district's men's, women's, and co-rec volleyball leagues; golf instruction; baseball schools; drum and bugle corps rentals; the district's men's basketball league; court rentals; sports clinics; fitness programs, and summer volley-ball and basketball leagues. A formal open house for the facility was held Nov. 3.

EDITORS' NOTE: Anyone wanting additional information about the Westwood indoor track rebuilding program, or those wishing to tour the facility, should contact the Sterling Park District, P.O. Box 692, Sterling, IL 61081 (815/625-1265).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Frank Duis has been director of the Sterling Park District since June, 1965. Prior to that time, he held the post of superintendent of recreation beginning with the district in 1956. He received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin and his master's degree from the University of Illinois.

The Westwood complex cost $625,000 to rebuild. Improvements include high-pressure sodium lighting, radiant gas heat and a white painted interior which allows natural lighting from the skylights.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 7 January/February 1985