Temporary Track Closure

Important Update!

This just in!  The NEW re-open date for the track is September 6, 2011! 

As the surface is still new and needs time to completely cure, spikes will not be permitted on the track until December 3, 2011.  Any persons caught using spikes will be banned from the track.

Detour Ahead!

Jack Simpson Gym and Indoor Running Track Temporary Closure

It's time to prepare for the upcoming temporary 'detour' with the closure of the Jack Simpson Gym and Indoor Running Track this summer. Starting June 1, both the Gym and Track will be closed until August 31, 2011 for maintenance, upgrading and a facelift. 



Absorbing more than a million footprints, the Indoor Running Track has certainly served the University of Calgary community well over the past 23 years. However, the current surface has officially 'run' its course and for the first time in its lifespan, the Indoor Running Track will be completely resurfaced - corner-to-corner. The versatile new floor comes with a $525,000 price tag that is being fully funded by the Alberta Government's Infrastructure Maintenance Program. 



The new "Pulastic" track will meet the needs of high performance track athletes and recreational athletes and features a spike resistant surface. The new surface is designed to be incredibly durable and easy to maintain which will accommodate the track’s frequent usage as a multi-functional University and community event space.
To test the performance and durability of this new surface, a test section was installed over 12 months ago on the West end of the Track with positive feedback. The new "Pulastic" surface has a good 'track' record as it has proven itself in nearby facilities like Talisman Centre (installed in 2003) and the University of Lethbridge; not to mention an installation in our very own Gold Gym.

In conjunction with the Track's facelift, the Jack Simpson Gym will also be receiving a new look during the closure. With a change in the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) key layout, new floor markings were required before the start of the 2011/12 season, which will coincide with a floor re-finish. You can expect the floor to look a little naked as it is sanded bare, repainted and refinished. Despite the need to refinish on a more frequent basis, the University is opting to use environmentally friendly, water-based products rather than oil-based for this project.