Coe College will resurface the track and make other significant improvements at Clark Field this summer to benefit both student-athletes and spectators, the school announced Monday.

The $900,000 project is the first phase of an anticipated multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of the college’s athletic facilities over the next few years.

The centerpiece of this part of the project will be a new track surface  from Beynon Sports Surfaces. Beynon’s premier track and field surfaces are found in the world’s most renowned athletic facilities, carrying some of the world’s greatest champions to record-breaking times.

Coe is installing the BSS 1000 – a 13 mm full pour polyurethane surface that allow athletes to perform at their highest levels while in training or in competition.  Its bio-engineered force reduction layer integrates very fine SBR rubber granules with environmentally friendly polyurethane to create an impermeable shock-absorbing cushion.

The durable surface is designed to resist the roughest weather and the toughest competition.

To enhance track and field competition, the Clark Field project will also include a new long jump/triple jump runway, a new “D” zone for high jump and pole vault, and a new hammer/discus cage and throwing area. New hurdles, high jump pads and meet management equipment will complement the facilities project.

Two large sections of bleachers will be constructed to accommodate Kohawk fans, creating 500 additional seats to increase spectator capacity by 50 percent on the home side of the stadium.  The field will be enclosed by a new fence to provide better control of the facility, complete with a perimeter sidewalk.

“The new track surface and facility improvements for field events will provide Coe track and field athletes with first-rate facilities for decades to come,” said Athletics Director John Chandler. “These enhancements to Clark Field demonstrate Coe’s continuing commitment to provide top-quality facilities for its student-athletes and a welcoming environment for Kohawk supporters.”

Clark Field was built in 1989 due to the generosity of Coe’s largest benefactor, K. Raymond Clark, class of 1930. When he died in 2005, Clark left virtually his entire estate to his alma mater, with total contributions to Coe exceeding $33.9 million.

The original Clark Field project included the construction of the football/soccer field, softball field, track and stadium, as well as the adjoining Clark Racquet Center.

Recent improvements to Clark Field include the addition of lighting in 2014 and the installation of synthetic FieldTurf in 2007.

In the fall, Coe leaders plan to unveil future phases of a comprehensive project to expand and renovate the college’s athletic facilities. Coe’s vision is to create the best overall facilities in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for athletics, recreation and fitness.