Grissom on right track with new construction Published Nov. 22, 2011 By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Construction crews hit the ground running on a new track here at Grissom. The crews have been laying the foundation for a new three-eighths of a mile running track, set to be finished in April of 2012. The new track will be beneficial for the base because it not only will help address some safety concerns, it will also help runners time themselves better. "First of all, it's a controlled area, so we don't have to block the road and the runners don't have to worry about car fumes," said Juli Phelps, Grissom's exercise physiologist. "Second, it's four laps to a mile-and-a-half, so you'll be able to pace yourself better. "Third, it's going to be rubberized, so it's going to be easier on your body with more absorption, which is better for your joints," she added. The track will be located off Warrior Avenue and will make use of vacant space in front of Grissom's fitness center. "The nice thing about it is we're reclaiming land that was unused," said Wayne Raby, 434th Mission Support Group base architect. "The more we can use of the stuff we have, the better it is for the base." The second round of construction, which will take place in the spring, involves the laying of rubber material and will take place when the temperature reaches 70 degrees for 10 days to insure proper curing. While the crews wait for warmer weather, they continue to work on making it easier for people to access the track and improving the aesthetics of it. To make access easier for pedestrians, construction crews have started laying sidewalks that will connect from the fitness center and from the backside of the Grissom Inn to the track. The crews have also planted new evergreens around the perimeter. "Were trying to make this a place where people want to come and run," said Raby. "Quality of life in the Air Force is important." While construction on the track continues, everyone is reminded that the track will not be open for use until the spring of 2012 for safety reasons. Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Twitter and Facebook.
