As students return to campus in the coming weeks, they will notice many projects that were tackled over the summer:

• Regents Field has new turf.

• Curran Track has been resurfaced.

• Smoyer Tennis Center courts have updated surfaces.

• Four pickleball overlays were added to the courts.

• The dance floors in the Burgin Center for the Arts were replaced.

• Several building exteriors have been cleaned.

• The update to Traylor Hall’s infrastructure is nearing completion.

While some of the work was covered by the school’s capital budget, many of the projects were funded through the philanthropic generosity of alumni and friends via direct gifts or through gifts to the Annual Fund, revealing the impact giving has at Mercersburg.

Here’s a brief overview of the projects:

Regents Field

This is the first time the artificial turf on Regents Field has been resurfaced since the field was constructed in 2009. The turf was completely removed, the field was releveled, and new striping was added for soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse.

The typical lifespan for a turf field is about 10 years, said Director of Facilities Brian Nordyke P ’14. “The companies that came to look at it said our athletics crew has done a phenomenal job in their routine maintenance.”

Curran Track

Curran Track was resurfaced and striping was updated with markings needed by judges, and for the starting and stopping of various events.

The track was resurfaced and recalibrated–to convert from yards/feet to metric measurements–in 1994, and was resurfaced again during the 2008-2009 school year, according to Athletic Facilities Manager Michael Collins P ’14. The Plantz Courts wood floor also will have a light sanding and refinishing.

Smoyer Tennis Center

The Smoyer Tennis Center courts have been resurfaced for the third time since they were constructed in 2001. Four pickleball overlays are being installed on two of the courts, and the walkways between the courts are being repaired. This work should be completed by mid-August.

Dance Floors in the Burgin Center for the Arts

The floors in both dance studios on the lower level of the Burgin Center for the Arts were replaced, a project that has been in the planning stages for two years, according to Burgin Center Director of Operations Jessica Doubell. 

Over the summer, the old flooring was removed, down to the cement. Layers of wood, plywood, and medium density fiberboard were placed on the floor. (See photo above.) The entire floor was sanded to eliminate bumps, divots, and dirt. The final layer, a vinyl floor, was placed on top.

Traylor Hall Infrastructure Update

A Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system is being installed in Traylor Hall. The project includes the installation of the new heating and air conditioning system, a basement sprinkler system, and updates to the electrical and fire alarm systems. Traylor Hall, built in 1920, is one of the oldest buildings on campus.

“One of the benefits of using the VRF system is that it gives each office individual temperature control,” said Project Manager Ben Martin. “Each space is going to have its own thermostat allowing for individual control, so if you want your space five degrees cooler than the office next to you, the system will have the ability to do that. In the past, we had a lot of issues with the heating and cooling in the building, which was why the school has pushed ahead and is getting the work done this summer.” 

Building Exterior Cleaning

The exteriors of three campus buildings–Nolde Gym, Ford Hall, and Irvine Hall–were cleaned and will have a fresh look for the beginning of school. In the case of Irvine Hall, the goal is to create an updated space on the back patio, Martin said. “We’re trying to wrap that up before the end of the summer, so it should be a nice spot to hang out by the time everyone arrives back on campus.”

HVAC Updates to Faculty Housing

Heating-oil based HVAC systems in seven faculty houses were replaced with central heat pumps, and new central heating/cooling systems were installed in four additional faculty houses. The new systems will use heat pumps primarily, with electricity for emergency backup heat.  

The systems were upgraded for cost savings, to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and to reduce the school’s carbon footprint, Martin said.

Improvements in Rutledge Hall

The Rutledge Hall classroom carpets are being replaced, and new vinyl treads are being added in the stairwells.

Steamline Repair

Steamline piping near the graduation platform was repaired. Blacktop in that area will be repaved, and sidewalks and landscaping will be restored. 

Health Center Sidewalks

Gravel paths near the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center are being replaced with concrete sidewalks. This will make the paths more convenient for students, and for the grounds department, particularly in the winter when snow needs to be plowed.

“It has been a very busy but very productive summer for us,” Nordyke said. “It’s good to see a lot of these projects getting completed.”