Some $308,000 was spent on a complete replacement of the track surface at the Naselle High School stadium. It included new runway surfaces for long jump, triple jump and pole vault.

NASELLE — The Naselle Schools track received more than a facelift.

The $308,000 spent on the project meant the surface was completely replaced.

Now an impressive reddish-brown-colored surface, with its crisp white finish line and 1-8 lane markers, is available for runners to train.

The work was completed this summer and completed ahead of schedule. It included all the runways for the long jump, triple jump and pole vault competitors.

Lisa Nelson, the superintendent, is a keen runner. She sparkled when describing the project.

“It was in need of repair,” she stressed. “It was 25 years old and we have been saving money and looking for anywhere we can get a grant for it.

“I am thrilled with how it turned out,” she added. “You don’t realize how much an upgrade it is.”

The timing is serendipitous with Naselle resuming its school cross country program. Coach Amber Frank has been hired to build the squad this fall. Frank, as Amber Hall, was an enthusiastic athlete during her high school years in Ilwaco and has continued her passion for running as an adult.

When the photo of the track at Reuben Penttila Field was posted on the school district’s website ahead of its opening to the public, you could almost hear Frank’s giggle.

“I think I might be more excited about the new track [than] the kids!” she posted.