The track facility at the Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS), in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera – formerly a grassed track, with sand used to delineate running lanes for multiple decades – has gone through a transformation during the past year, beginning with a new asphalt surface and temporary painted lane markings – used during the regionals high school track event hosted in March 2026. Since then the final surfacing of the new track, along with permanent lane markings have been completed, with additional amenities now under construction at the site of the newly modernized track facility.
Mr. Kennord Mackey, Physical Education teacher at Preston H. Albury High School, and a key coordinator in the management of the new state-of-the-art multi-purpose athletic facility, was on the track, on Saturday afternoon, June 13th 2026, hosting an informal meet, where young athletes from several local track clubs had come together to practice in friendly competition on the newly surfaced track.
There were significant plans, explained Mr. Mackey, for the new facility to be utilized for community use, economic benefit, as well as international competition. Describing some of the key features and amenities currently being constructed alongside, within and around the track, he pointed out a two-level wooden structure, which he called the technical room, and said it would be dedicated for electronic timing, record-keeping, and housing the physical camera for finish line observation.
A tuck shop in an adjacent building, he said would be equipped with refrigerators, freezers, and shelves for refreshments and food sales (also to be made available for rental during events). A longer concrete building, next to the tuck shop was described by Mr. Mackey as athlete facilities, which would provide male and female bathrooms, as well as showers for athletes use post-competition.
The infield of the track, shared Mr. Mackey, was intended to be multi-purpose. This inner field, he said, would be covered with artificial turf, as well as permanent markings, suitable for flag football, soccer, volleyball, and other events, eliminating the need for grass mowing or manual line marking.
Infrastructure around the track, he added, was also set to be enhanced. Poles with lighting were to be installed to allow events to extend into the evening. Permanent covered bleachers were in the plans to be added next to the technical room for spectator comfort. Designated storage areas were to be incorporated below the technical room. The entire area would be equipped with 24-hour security cameras, and plans also included a fully fenced track to provide secure, separate access, for professional events, aside from the school grounds.
Sharing more on the expanded utility of the track, Mr. Mackey explained that the facility was unique in the region for being a reversible track. This design, he said, allowed for official times in events like 100m, 200m, and hurdles, regardless of wind direction.
A comprehensive set of field event areas were included in the design of the new facility, he stated, with a long jump pit, a javelin throw area with a 40-meter extension – allowing throws in both directions, designated areas for hammer and discus throw – complete with safety netting, pole vault and high jump areas. He also noted that while the track could host steeple chase events, it would not include a water obstacle.
The track also now features a number of professional markings for various events, including: staggered areas for relays; green lines for the 800m break, green dots for 400m hurdles, and white lines for 1000m, 1500m, and 3000m starts. These markings, said Mackey, adhered to World Athletics standards, enabling international events.
Several technicalities, described as ‘minor’ by coach Mackey made the current design-level of the track facility unable to host “World-Class official events”, including the lack of full surrounding bleachers, railings, and slight surface unevenness – however, these were considered adjustable for future upgrades.
Commenting on the management of the track facility, its economic impact, and future plans, he explained that a management committee – comprising sports-centric and business-centric individuals was being formed to manage the track, including booking and operations, with the aim to benefit the entire island economically.
Describing one example of the facility being used for multi-purpose events, Mr. Mackey said that the artificial turf infield would allow for the hosting of large non-athletic events, with possible gatherings of several hundred people.
The facility, he informed, was anticipated to be fully functional by the end of this year, or even sooner.
