![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Bobsledding on Bottles
Lake Placid Bobsled Track
EPA530-F-03-023
July 2003
It took one million milk jugs and detergent bottles, but the site of
the 1980 Winter Olympic Games now has new and improved platforms for bobsled,
luge, and skeleton racing, in the first application of recycled plastic
lumber specifically designed for a commercial structure.
In preparation for the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games, the Olympic Regional
Development Authority (ORDA) of Lake Placid, New York, added three staging
platforms to its bobsled/luge/skeleton run made from recycled milk and
detergent bottles and reinforced with fiberglass. ORDA built one platform
at the top of the track where the bobsled and skeleton races begin. The
group constructed the second plastic platform further down the track at
the launching point for the double luge races, and the third was placed
at the track's finish line where the sleds encounter a slight incline
to reduce speed.
These platforms are expected to remain in good condition for 20 to 30
years with minimal maintenance, far outlasting traditional wood. The structures
do not require the protective coatings that wood demands to bear the wintery
conditions. They have also passed rigorous safety tests and subzero temperature
performance trials. "Feedback from athletes training up here has
been good," said Sandy Caligore of ORDA.
Besides improving the race site for the Goodwill Games, ORDA's use of
plastic lumber supports New York Governor George Pataki's goal of building
with green materials to limit pollution, minimize waste, and encourage
recycling. The improved track may even improve Lake Placid's chances for
hosting future events. "This recycled plastic lumber has helped to
make our combination luge/bobsled/skeleton run at Lake Placid state-of-the-art,
and increases our chances of winning a future Olympics bid," said
Ted Blazer, ORDA's president and chief executive officer.
View and print this fact sheet (PDF) (1 pg, 171K, About PDF)
Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
