Originally built in 1961, the school's internal road is being replaced. [Resurrection College Prep High School]
NORWOOD PARK — Resurrection College Prep High School will sport a new look when students return to campus next month, with construction of a new running track, parking lot and internal road underway, school officials said.
The school's 20-year-old track will be entirely replaced, and feature surface that will be "more durable and less stressful to the runners’ legs," said Sister Donna Marie Wolowicki, president of the all-girls Catholic high school in Norwood Park.
The number of lanes in the track will also be increased and it will shift 15 feet toward the east to allow more room for the school's the softball field, Wolowicki said. In addition, the lanes needed for long jumps will be built, although sand pits for landings will be installed later, she said.
The school's internal roadway — built in 1961 — will also be replaced, as will the school's parking lot, Wolowicki said.
That road will have semipermeable bricks in the front of the building to allow storm water to be absorbed by the ground, Wolowicki said. In addition, plans call for an underground storm water detention vault to be built in the back parking lot and for the detention pond east of the track to be enlarged, Wolowicki added.
School officials hope an "aggressive" construction schedule will mean the completion of the project by late August or early September to reduce the inconvenience to students, parents and faculty, Wolowicki said.
The gravel and the soil and soil being removed by crews is being stored at the school to be used to eventually raise the height of the track and build berms to the north of the track to prevent storm water from the school property flowing on to homes on Everell Street, Wolowicki said.
The main entrance is now in the back of the building, between the entrance to the gym and the entrance to the receiving dock. Cars and trucks can only enter the school at 7500 W. Talcott Ave. from Oriole Avenue, Wolowicki said.
[Resurrection College Prep High School]
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