New running track completed at Sprucedale Public School

The newly completed running track at Sprucedale Public School will be used for gym classes, recess and lunch activities, and track and field, while also providing another opportunity for local youth to get active. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Students at Sprucedale Public School in Shakespeare will have a new place to get active when they return to class following the completion of a new running track on the school grounds.

Steve Smith Construction of Stratford completed the track last week, with dry summer weather helping the project move along quickly.

The initiative was led by Sprucedale's parent council and spearheaded by council chair Jody Hart.

Despite Sprucedale being a relatively small school, the parent council wanted students to have access to a running track where they could exercise and participate in an activity that requires little equipment or expense.

After reaching out to the community for support, the parent council received donations of time, materials and money that allowed the project to move forward this summer.

The new track, located on the southeast corner of the school grounds next to the soccer field, will provide students with another option for physical activity throughout the school year.

It is expected to be used during gym classes, for races at recess and lunch, and as part of the school's track-and-field activities.

Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, which organizes races for children during the community's annual field day in June, may also have an opportunity to make use of the new track.

The parent council isn't finished yet.

Plans also include creating a shaded seating and spectator area next to the track. As part of that future project, the council hopes to recognize those who helped make the running track possible by dedicating trees to donors and installing recognition plaques.

Support for the project came from Grit Engineering, Steve Smith Construction, Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, the Shakespeare Optimist Club and numerous other community members.