All Weather Track Completed
MFH Grant Received
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe Putnam County Health Department was thrilled to assist the Putnam County R-I School District with the completion of the all-weather track project. The health department, through their SIM grant from Missouri Foundation for Health, was able to provide $115,000 toward the construction of the facilities. The money was used toward the asphalt layer of the track.
In addition to the SIM grant, alumni, local residents and businesses have donated over $82,000 and a Department of Natural Resources grant provided $91,500 for the recycled rubber surface.
“Because of the completion of this track we now have another outlet for our residents to have increased access to physical activity,” stated the health department administrator Ericka Klingner. “We are fortunate that our school district is extremely community-minded and have made a commitment to allowing the public’s use of the track for exercise on a daily basis.”
The track is open to the public at all times and is lit early in the morning and until 10 p.m. Patrons are asked to use lanes 5 -8 and no wheeled vehicles or pets are allowed. The school provides other fitness opportunities for local residents. The fitness center, located on the east side of the high school is open evenings and is fully equipped with treadmills, elipticals, and a variety of weight machines. The Prairie Trail, located near the softball fields, provides a .6 mile nature walk. Residents are also welcome to walk inside the school early mornings and evenings.
Fundraising for the track project was initiated in 2009 with an appeal to alumni. The first phase of the project was completed in 2010 as the high jump, triple jump, long jump and pole vault areas were installed. Putnam County R-I personnel deconstructed the old concrete curbing around the track in May and then Fisher Tracks of Boone, Iowa moved in to construct the track. Completion was delayed due to the extreme heat in July which would have compromised the integrity of the rubber layer. A brick entrance was also constructed this summer which recognizes donors to the track project. Granite tiles are still available and will be engraved as donations are made.
Other facility improvements to the track/football area completed summer, 2012, include remodeling of the home concession stand and bathrooms, and construction of a new visitor locker room complete with a small concession stand and bathrooms.
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