Sports Minister Olivia Grange has confirmed that the resurfacing of the National Stadium track has been completed ahead of schedule.
During a tour of the facility on Wednesday, Grange commended the team of local and international workers involved in the project. She emphasized that the work was finished within budget, ensuring taxpayers will not pay more than the allocated US$350,000.
The resurfacing was carried out by track suppliers Rekortan, in collaboration with Independence Park Limited (IPL).
Rekortan vice president Tim Jordan assured the minister of the quality of the newly resurfaced track.
“This track has been resurfaced, and its quality is fantastic—second to none in terms of the resurfacing applied over the existing surface,” Jordan said.
Doug Stone, another Rekortan vice president overseeing track installations across North America, said the upgrades had improved the stadium.
“The most important thing we did was improve performance and eliminate safety issues, addressing problems beneath the track surface,” Stone said. “I believe performance will be as good as before, if not better. You now have a world-class running surface.”
When asked if the resurfacing had downgraded the track, Stone dismissed the concern. “No, not at all,” he said.
Stone emphasized that the track remains at its original certification level.
“The surface still meets World Athletics Class 1 certification. We installed the new surface, and all lane lines and event markings comply with Class 1 standards,” he said.
Grand Slam Track venue director Don Lockerbie also addressed concerns about the track’s certification.
“The track, in its current condition, is world-class and will perform beautifully,” Lockerbie said. “We are thrilled that it will meet the highest international standards. Any record set on this track will stand. The Class 1 certification remains valid for five years before requiring reclassification.”
Lockerbie praised the collaboration between Grand Slam Track, the government and IPL. “We wanted to ensure everyone understands that this track is safe, fast, and visually striking in the colors of the Jamaican flag,” he said.
