Western School Division Trustees

Keeping Morden’s New Track in Top Shape: Why No Wheels Are Allowed

Morden’s new Discovery Track & Field facility is a valuable community investment, designed with a special rubberized surface for running and walking. As excitement grows around using the track, it’s important for everyone to understand the rules that will protect it for years to come.

A key rule is “no wheels on the track” meaning bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, and similar wheeled devices are not permitted. This post offers a short explanation about why wheeled devices are prohibited on the new track and how they can damage the surface.

Why Wheeled Devices Are Prohibited on the Track

Running tracks are purpose-built for foot traffic only. The synthetic rubber surface is engineered to support runners’ footsteps, not the concentrated pressure and friction of wheels. In fact, track builders have a saying: “If it has wheels on it, it does not belong on the track.”

Tire Friction and Lateral Stress: Unlike a runner’s shoe which briefly contacts and lifts off, wheels press and grind against the track continuously. Turning or stopping a wheeled device introduces lateral (sideways) shearing forces on the rubber. The track’s rubberized top layer isn’t built to withstand that kind of tire friction and side force. Such stress can scuff, tear, or even delaminate the surface (separating the rubber layer from its asphalt base)

Concentrated Load on Small Contact Points: Wheels focus the user’s weight on a small area. For example, a bicycle carrying a rider might put hundreds of pounds of force on the narrow area where the tires touch the track. This high pressure can dent or compress the springy surface. Similarly, the hard small wheels of rollerblades, scooters, or skateboards create points of intense pressure that wear down the rubber quickly, especially if the user jumps, pivots, or stops suddenly.

Abrasion and Wearing: Wheeled vehicles can cause abrasion. Each rotation of a tire or wheel can act like sandpaper on the track. Rapid starts, stops, or skids are even worse. An abrupt twist of a tire (for instance, turning a bike’s handlebars while stationary on the track) can be “sufficient to break the bond between the surface and the base” of the track. Over time this leads to early deterioration of the surface, requiring costly repairs or even premature resurfacing of the track. Additionally, if a rider falls or a bike pedal or a scooter handle hits the surface, it can dig out chunks of the track. Each gouge not only creates a tripping hazard but also opens the material to water intrusion, which can worsen the damage.

Bottom Line: Wheeled devices can seriously damage the running surface. Our new track is a high-quality community asset and is meant to last. Allowing improper use would risk our significant collective investment. A track that should have lasted 20+ years might need expensive resurfacing in a fraction of that time due to misuse.

By following these best practices and keeping wheels off the track our community can ensure the new track remains safe, attractive, and functional for as long as possible.

We want to hear from you. Please fill out our 2025/2026 Western School Division Budget Survey.

Click on the link below.

forms.office.com

A Huge Thank You to Wolfe Enterprises!

We’re thrilled to announce that Wolfe Enterprises has generously donated $25,000 to the Discovery Track and Field project! Your incredible support is a game-changer for our community, helping us build a space where everyone can thrive and come together.

Thank you for making a difference and championing our shared vision!

Tuesday March 19, 7:00pm at EMMS Music Room.

PARENTS: Garfield Gini-Newman from the University of Toronto will be at ÉMMS this Tuesday to speak to parents about the importance of critical thinking. Garfield is the author of several books and is recognized globally for his work on critical thinking. Childcare, snacks, and door prizes will be available.

Excitement continues to grow. Watch for us tonight on Global News Winnipeg 6:00 p.m.

Join us tonight for our public board meeting.

When: Monday Feb 12
2024 at 7:30

Where: Western School Division
Offices, Unit 4 - 75 Thornhill Street, Morden

The Western School Division Board of Trustees needs your feedback and ideas to make better informed and locally relevant budget decisions. Please help us by filling out our short 2024/25 Budget Survey.

The survey can be found at the following link:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=OO9Ehx5iSE6tIRG3xNStgGo3LpN2_W5OhrySVhH5S-xURFRCWVEzV00zV1hMQ1JSNkhMREg4N1hVQy4u

Public submissions are due by Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Board of Trustees, and can be sent by mail, fax, or email to:
Western School Division, 4-75 Thornhill Street, Morden, MB, R6M 1P2
Fax: 204-822-4262
Email: [email protected]

An online form is available on the WSD website at www.westernsd.mb.ca

Paper forms are also available at the Division Office.

With the festive season wrapping us up in warmth and light, the Western School Division Board of Trustees extends our heartfelt best wishes to every member of our beautiful and diverse community. May the peace and joy of the season be with you today and resonate throughout the New Year.

The holiday season provides a precious opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Let us take a moment to appreciate the blessings we share and the bonds that unite us as a community.

As we celebrate, let’s remember those here in our city and those around the world who may be facing difficult challenges and uncertainties. As a community, let's strive to be positive role models for our students by extending a helping hand to those in need. By working together, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and create a brighter future for all.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. May this season be filled with love, compassion, and the spirit of generosity.

The Rural Municipality of Stanley recognizes the many benefits that Discovery Track & Field will provide to residents living around the City of Morden. We thank them for their vision and for their generous $25,000 pledge to the health and wellbeing of their community.

Morden Area Foundation was established in 1993, when a group of community leaders proved that working together for a common good can bring positive and lasting change to their communities. 30 years later at their annual Christmas Party and Grant Awards night they continued to do just that. Thousands of dollars were granted to a diverse array of important community groups and projects… including an amazing $25,000 matching grant going towards the construction of Discovery Track and Field. A huge heartfelt thank you to Morden Area Foundation for your positive and generous leadership in our community.