This $3.4-million project reconstructed the racetrack with a new track material called Tapeta, which was required by the California Horse Racing Board. It also included installation of an extensive drainage system.
Given the tight constraint of the schedule due to the racing season, the entire new track literally had to be built in three months, and both the owner and contractor team worked to achieve that goal.
Tapeta is made up of sand, recycled rubber and plastics and wax and is being used more and more in the country’s race tracks. With the new track surface material, the track became an almost all-weather track, allowing for more racing and a longer race season.
Prior to installing the new track, the project team demolished the old track down to the subgrade, removing more than 12 in of dirt. Upon reaching the subgrade, the team then installed 15,000 ft of electrical conduit for the timing and lighting systems. Then, an interior bioswale was installed to greatly improve the storm drainage. Every 20 ft, a drainage system is placed perpendicular to the track. The water filters into the pipe, then into the bioswale on the interior of the track. The new surface drains quite quickly, which is better for the environment and is not an issue for the track.
Project Team
Developer/Owner: Pacific Racing Association dba Golden Gate Fields, Berkeley
General Contractor: O.C. Jones & Sons Inc., Berkeley
Civil Engineer: Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Pleasanton
