New Lawrencetown track for the community

By Lawrence Powell

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

It’s been a few months in the making, but the new 1/8-mile track at Lawrencetown Consolidated School could soon become a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and serious athletes.

Planning started in January and was a joint project for the school, the school advisory council, and Lawrencetown Recreation – plus Health Promotion and Protect. The government department kicked in $2,100 towards the track – one third of the total cost.

Lynn Roscoe, with Lawrencetown Recreation, said there were a lot of in-kind contributions as well when work finally started in May.

Many village residents may remember the old track back in the high school’s hayday. The smaller, new track was built on top of part of that track.

Nearby is a ball field developed by Lawrencetown Rec and minor ball, and the old tennis courts are still there. With the addition of the track, and future plans for more facilities, Roscoe hopes the park-like facility will become a vibrant community destination for fun and physical activity.

Plans for two mini soccer fields inside the oval track are already in the works, and resurfacing the tennis courts and adding basketball hoops are two other options being explored. And aging wooden dugout at the ball field will also be replaced and new picnic tables are on order.

Re-seeding of the grass was done this spring.

“Slowly but surely we’re trying to improve things each year,” said Roscoe.

In addition to the work done by the SAC, headed by former teacher Steven Baskwill, and Lawrencetown Rec, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board has a site development plan that could include some repaving and improved traffic flow.

Principal Karen Baker said there is also some discussion about redevelopment of old walking trails. Proximity to the Annapolis River and poison ivy are concerns that would have to be addressed.

Roscoe said she can’t take all the credit for what has been accomplish and for what may be developed in the future.

“A lot of people are involved,” she said.

As for the recently completed track, she said it’s for the community as well as the students.

“I’ve been running on it,” she said.