The track at Swampscott High School has been condemned for competitions, but students are still practicing on it, and seniors say they are missing out on integral experiences.

The 2026 spring track season marks the second year the Jackson Park track has been out of commission. Head Coach Joe Tenney said the track has needed repairs for over a decade. Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta identified the $1 million track replacement as a priority for fiscal year 2027 during a presentation to the Capital Improvement Committee on Thursday, January 15.

“The track is going on 25 years so it’s at least ten to 15 years overdue,” Tenney said. “Tracks usually last anywhere between ten to 12 years, so you’re looking at least almost 15 years now…You’re going to have to gut it and redo the entire thing.”

Tenney said roots have uplifted sections of the track, and the Department of Public Works has been “cutting them out” as a temporary fix.

“Some of the lanes aren’t really usable in some spots,” Swampscott High School senior Simon Brown said. “We have to avoid those areas, especially for sprinters.”

Tenney said jumpers are “more affected than anything,” as their runway is “nearly nonexistent and full of holes.”

Junior Michelle Hayes, who does triple jump, said “the pit isn’t that good. There’s cracks in it.” Senior Will Bush, who runs the 100-meter dash and is trying out shot put this year, said he’s fallen before because of the cracks in the track. 

“I want to spend most of my memories in Swampscott, and it kind of stinks that you can’t do that especially during our senior night,” Bush said. 

Brown added that the lack of home meets is “disappointing.” 

“It would be cool to run a fast time on our own track,” Brown said. “The same thing with senior nights – having to do them on someone else’s track isn’t great.”

Senior Clara Gosselin, a shot put thrower, said the lack of home meets lowers overall team morale. 

“I really like home meets. They’re a lot more fun,” Gosselin said. “Majority of our meets were absorbed by Gloucester, so having to travel that far is a lot.”

Residents raised concerns about the track at the March 18 Select Board meeting. Christine Collela, representing the Swampscott Track Boosters, said the track has reached its “breaking point” and is a “literal minefield of tripping hazards.”

“This $1 million replacement is no longer a future project. It is a current necessity,” Collela said. “This isn’t just a school issue. Jackson Park, including the track, is a multi-use community space.”

Tenney warned that bikes and dogs on the track contribute to additional wear and tear.

The Select Board and Finance Committee will have the opportunity to vote on whether to recommend the project if it appears on the April 28 Town Meeting warrant.

State Rep. Jennifer Armini (D-Essex) and State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D–Third Essex) have secured $35,000 in state funding for surface upgrades at Jackson Park, Armini told the Swampscott Tides.