News Release
For Immediate Release: April 8, 2008
Contact Person: Tim Watson, 301-334-3452
New Walking Trail at Dennett Road
Dennett Road Elementary School students and staff are proudly using their new walking trail as a result of a team effort involving the Go Green Team from Dennett Road, the Board of Education Maintenance staff, and the Wellness Committee from Dennett Road. “I am very pleased with the final result,” reported Dennett Road Principal Gary Galloway. “The walking trail is an asset to our school and the community, and we have lots of plans for it.”
Cutline: Pictured above using the new walking trail at Dennett Road Elementary School is teacher and Go Green Coordinator Darlene Taylor with students from her fourth grade class. From left to right are Keneesha Uphold, Nadine Diaz, Chelsey Hoffman (behind Diaz), Alysha Sanders, Laura Pritts (behind Sanders), Mrs. Taylor, Emily Bowser, Nicholas Shrier, McKenna Bolyard, and Brianna Evans.
The idea for the walking trail developed a few years ago when the Go Green Coordinator at Dennett Road School, Mrs. Darlene Taylor, first introduced the idea, but didn't have the resources to see it through at that time. Last fall, the idea was resurrected by physical education teacher Beth Shaffer after returning from a State Wellness Conference. She discussed it with the Wellness Committee at Dennett Road, and committee members Amy Ritchie and Kendra Todd from the Garrett County Health Department put together a grant proposal that was funded to turn the idea into a reality.
“We couldn't have done it without the great crew from the Board of Education Maintenance Department (Mike Green, Delmar Rodeheaver, and Jim Bittinger) and their supervisor, Jim Thomas,” reported School Guidance Counselor and Wellness Committee Member Tim Watson. “These guys brought their equipment and expertise and suddenly a muddy field started looking like a walking trail.”
The walking trail was intentionally designed to blend in with the existing environment. Recycled cinders are being used to fill in low spots on the trail, and there is no pavement involved. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the trail was also designed to promote lifelong fitness among students. Mrs. Shaffer and staff from the Health Department began a Walking Wednesdays program on April 2 nd and students will be encouraged to walk and record their miles during recess. After achieving five miles, the students will receive a small incentive and recognition on the morning news at Dennett Road.
The walking trail is open to the public and four laps around is the equivalent of one mile.
Those participating on the Wellness Committee include Tim Watson, Beth Shaffer, Gloria Miller, Gary Galloway, and Eugenia Cassidy from Dennett Road; Amy Ritchie, Kendra Todd, Kristen Walker, and Hana Smith from the Health Department, and Scott Germain from Food Services at the Board of Education. Questions about the walking trail, wellness efforts, or Go Green efforts can be directed to Dennett Road Elementary School at 301-334-3452.