New track marks final step in Levack Public School’s schoolyard revitalization

Staff and students at Levack Public School have a new oval track thanks to generous contributions from community volunteers and corporate partners including Day Group Construction.

The track was fully restored during the summer and now includes a new 15-foot canopy fence baseball backstop. The makeover took some 15 hours to complete.

“The track has been around for decades and was once a flagship of the Onaping/Levack community,” says Principal Stephen Winckel. “We extend heartfelt thanks to the countless individuals who played a vital role in transforming our track into an outdoor hub for the school and local community to enjoy.”

To engage students, the school formed “Leopard Laps,” a walking/running group that uses the track four times per week during morning recess. Students set weekly personal lap goals and all laps count towards the school-wide goal.

“Leopard Laps encourages students to develop a healthy mindset,” says Principal Winckel. “It also promotes teamwork and determination, character traits that are essential for learning and for life.”

The oval track, which is located behind the school, will also be used for the school’s annual Levack Mini-Thon and Terry Fox Run.

Schoolyard enhancements began in 2014, when Levack Public School received the runner-up prize in the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest. Improvements included the development of an outdoor classroom with a large stone seating area and a planter for Kindergarten students to study plant growth. Several mature trees and shrubs were also added to the landscape.

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Media Contact:

Stephen Winckel, Principal, Levack Public School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-671-5943.

The oval track at Levack Public School was refurbished during the summer.

Levack Public School students, from left, Avery Roney, Claire LaBerge and Taylor Thibeault, enjoyed the school’s new track during their annual Terry Fox Run on Thursday, September 24, 2015.

Over the past year, Levack Public School received a schoolyard makeover. Enhancements include a new outdoor classroom and seating area, a planter and the addition of trees and shrubs.

Levack Public School received a new 15-foot canopy fence baseball backstop over the summer as part of a schoolyard revitalization project.