UNCW requests $800,000 from city, county to renovate track

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW’s track could be called an ancient relic of Wilmington.

So it is not surprising that the school is asking for money to make the track like new.

A city spokesman says the UNCW chancellor pitched the idea to city council during an agenda briefing.

The school is asking for $300,000 from the city and $500,000 from the county, in exchange for a 14-year agreement to allow public access to the track. 

In exchange, city residents would have access to use the track at certain times.

The track would be open to the public from 6:00 – 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. during the week when the university is open, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the weekend when the university is open, and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day when the university is closed.

Some people believe the track is in need of some work.

“I guess generally it’s a good idea cause the citizens use it. The athletics fields have really been upgraded and baseball, softball, looks like they’re working on the soccer field over here and it’s time something be done over here,” David Cavenaugh said.

“There’s a lot of construction going around. So, I think the city should help out a little bit. I mean, UNCW is a main focal point for the Wilmington area and I think a lot of people around the community definitely can contribute and use this property,” Seth Turner said.

Many officials are in support of building up the track at UNCW, such as New Hanover County commissioner Jonathan Barfield.

“It’s one of the programs that actually helps bring diversity to the school and to lose that diverse population, it would be a detriment to UNCW, where they are really trying to attract more students of diverse backgrounds and so I’m glad that we are able to contribute along with others to get that track where it needs to be and keep that program here in place,” Barfield said.

Back in late 2014, UNCW actually had plans to cut the men’s and women’s track and field programs. 

Those cuts obviously did not happen after public outcry and a large fundraising effort. In August 2015, Chancellor Zito Sartarelli announced the program would remain.

At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, council members will discuss the proposed agreement with UNCW.