As construction looks to wrap soon at LaPorte Track, citizens are encouraged to test out the recently renovated area that will soon be home of the Cyclones’ track and field program.
The track on the Elizabethton High School campus recently opened to the public, according to Elizabethton City Schools (ECS) Superintendent Dr. Corey Gardenhour.
“There’s still some fencing that needs to be put in place,” he said. “But the track is open to the public and we invite the citizens to come down and see the work that has been accomplished. We just ask people to be careful with the rest of the renovations going on at the track.”
Resurfacing efforts on the track began in June as employees with Benyon Sports Surfaces were getting the track in condition for the school’s program to begin holding meets in the coming years.
Once officials broke ground on the site in April, it has been full steam ahead thanks to a collaborative effort of the Elizabethton City School System and Citizens Bank Tri-Citizens Foundation. ECS and the LaPorte Foundation each provided approximately $200,000 for what would amount to a $434,000 project.
Joe LaPorte, with Citizens Bank, recently told the Elizabethton Star that the family was ready and willing to help with the student athletes at the school.
“It is an honor to have the track named for our families,” LaPorte said. “We really appreciate it and we’re happy to be part of this. This track will help our children develop their skills and help them grow as athletes, and people, and pursue further scholarship opportunities. This really will also be important for our city. We’ve had interest expressed by people wanting to walk it … it’s going to be an awesome addition for the town.”
Along with the boys and girls cross country and track and field programs at the high school, Milligan College will be assisting with efforts at the track, adding manpower for events and working in conjunction with the school system. The track and field program will also look at the option of hosting meets for the 2016-17 athletic season.
Gardenhour stated Monday that the track will look to have an official grand opening ceremony during the month of September.