Greenprints Alliance, WellStar To Build New School Track

A local nonprofit organization that advocates for the construction of multi-use trails in Woodstock is teaming up with a health care system to build a new track at an elementary school.

Greenprints Alliance and WellStar Health System will join forces to build a .25 mile asphalt track at Woodstock Elementary School. 

Construction will start in early July and the track is expected to be ready when students return for the 2014-15 school year.

“WellStar is committed to building healthier communities,” said Kim Menefee, WellStar's senior vice president of public/government affairs. “We hope the new track inspires students at Woodstock Elementary School and the residents of Cherokee County to live an active, healthy life.”

Woodstock elementary leaders and members of Greenprints Alliance have worked to raise money for the track over the past few years. The idea for the track stemmed from a lack of facilities on the campus that can be used for physical fitness testing and training. 

Greenprints originally approached the school about utilizing the front portion of the property, which is not in use. Beyond school programs, the community can use the track outside of school hours.

"We have long had a vision to have an outdoor space dedicated to promoting fitness that can be used by all stakeholders," said physical education teacher Dr. Scott Fortes. "This track will benefit our staff, students, and the community at large. The 1⁄4-mile asphalt track will be located in a beautiful, park-like area in front of the school. Principal Kim Montalbano and I are excited to start the 2014-15 school year with a place where the entire school family, and the community that so graciously supports us, can be healthy in a natural environment. On behalf of Woodstock Elementary School, we would like to express our gratitude to both WellStar and Greenprints Alliance for partnering with the school to make dreams come true."