Constructed over the summer, the new track behind Andersonville Elementary School adds to the unique and family friendly features already on school property, said Principal Bruce Martin.
Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the quarter-mile, asphalt track, Sept. 25. It will be useful to students during physical education class, and also encourages fitness in the community, said Chamber Executive Director Penny Shanks.
‘This track will enable many people to train for things like 5K and 10K races,? Shanks said.
The school staff has already began incorporating the track into fitness related activities at school. Plans are in the works for an all ages running club and other athletic focused fitness.
‘The new track allows student and staff the ability to exercise during the school day. Families and community members also have the opportunity to use the track for fitness and family fun,? said Martin.
The Clarkston Board of Education granted approval for the track in June. Planning for it took about four years.
In total, the track cost just over $20,500 and was funded by local businesses and residents. A $5,000 donation from the Clarkston Optimist Club and another $1,200 donation from Great Lakes Restoration greatly helped fund the track. A majority of funds, over $16,300, was raised by Andersonville’s PTO.
Martin said the PTO took on many activities to raise money, including selling bagels and popcorn.
PTO President Jackie Koop said raising funds, particularly the last $10,000, was a community effort.
Jim Evans, from the Clarkston Optimist Club knew of track plans during the first year of fundraising, but waited to see just how much the PTO and volunteers could accomplish before providing the $5,000 donation.
During the ceremony, many awards were presented including a certificate of appreciation to the Clarkson News for a Silver level donation, as well as support of the track and many school events over the years.
Superintendent of Clarkston Schools Dr. Rod Rock said even through an economic downturn in Michigan, the Clarkston area continues to move forward.
‘Good things like this give us hope,? he said.
Although the school is changing for the better, one former student said it’s always had a good vibe.
‘Andersonville Elementary may look different, but it still feels the same,? said Independence Township Treasurer Paul Brown, who attended the school over 40 years ago.
Martin said community members flock to the school to take advantage of the unique features on the property, and the area is a safe place residents come and enjoy
The track complements a ‘Placemaking? concept, which is a national movement that explores connecting the community through unique uses for public spaces.
Shanks said the track project is a good example of Placemaking, which brings the community together to work on a common concept of enhancing quality of life in the community.
A large community Placemaking meeting took place last October. A committee formed to further explore Placemaking now meets regularly to share ideas.
The committee is made up of Chamber staff Janelle Best, Shanks, Parks and Recreation and Seniors Director Ken Elwert, Clarkston City Manager Carol Eberhardt and Calvary-Lutheran Pastor Jonathan Heierman.
Best, Chamber Economic and Workforce Development Coordinator, said the need for more art was identified as a major improvement needed in the area.
Best added many ideas for more art have come to fruition through various activities that have been held in Clarkston including a Depot Street Arts, a large community event at Deer Lake beach, and a community painting event.
Winter programs and other creative activities are being planned.