Save the Track - Rochester Soldiers Field

The Soldiers Field Track is the only running track available to the public in the City of Rochester. It is also the only natural surface track in the City of Rochester and Olmsted County. On May 7, 2019 the City of Rochester Park Board voted to move forward with a recommendation to shorten and
widen the existing track to an oval shape (non-regulation track) and pave it with 4 inches of asphalt.
Why save the track?
Each summer for 46 of the last 48 years, hundreds of children have participated in the Hal Martin All Comers' Track meets on this track. Asphalt is not a safe running surface for children. Runners and walkers use this track daily. Home School athletes use the track. High School track athletes use the track after school hours, on weekends and in the summer. Rochester Elementary schools and Schafer Academy hold spring Track and Field days on the track. The track is located within 6 blocks of the Mayo Clinic and is easily accessible to employees and patients of the Mayo Clinic who wish to walk or run on a non-asphalt surface. The track is centrally located in the city and accessible by foot or public transportation. To take action, view the attached document.
What are your thoughts on the track? Would love to see the discussion on this topic.

Save the Track Flyer (Save-the-Track-Flyer.pdf)