THS TRACK QUEST

Aperçu:

The existing track and field complex at Trenton High School in Trenton (City of Quinte West), Ontario needs to be replaced. Not only has the facility deteriorated to the point of disrepair, the existing facility presents a health and safety concern for users of all ages, especially for those with disabilities. Along with these safety concerns, the existing facility located along a major artery into the Bay of Quinte Region, now presents a negative image in an otherwise thriving community. With this in mind, the Trenton High School Alumni Association(THSAA) has banded together with The City of Quinte West(QW) and The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board(HPEDSB) to help correct this problem and rid the community of this eyesore. Together they are involved in a project known as THS TRACK QUEST. THS TRACK QUEST has been in existence since May of 2010 and the goal is to have a new track and field facility constructed and operational by September 2012. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $450,000-$500,000. For the sake of the Aviva contest, the cost of the track surface is being sought which is estimated to be $150,000. The existing track and field complex was built in 1971. At the time, the track and field complex was heralded as one of the best artificial surfaces in Ontario, if not Canada. Because of its state of the art construction, along with a track and field program that dominated the region at the time, Trenton High School became renowned for hosting annual provincial class track meets. Teams from all over the province came to the Bay of Quinte Region to not only compete against the Tigers of Trenton High School, but also to experience the setting that the THS track and field complex provided aspiring track athletes. The track surface is now weather-beaten, riddled with potholes, cracks and crevices. The runways have heaved and the cement curbing is crumbling. In essence the track is in state of destitution. Not only are track meets unsafe to conduct, but general usage presents a risk, especially for our special needs students i.e Autistic, Downs syndrome, wheel-chair bound, etc. Despite the tough economic times that our area has faced, the City of Quinte West remains steadfast in placing a high value on healthy active living. Quinte West is a prosperous place to work and raise a family and is especially a great place to enjoy the simple pastimes in life.(Included in our population are military families who are stationed at CFB Trenton, many of whom are now serving in Afghanistan.) Our firefighters use the facility for training, especially those involved in National Fire Fit Challenge competitions. Police and military personnel living off base are often seen running the track to maintain general fitness expectations. On any given day families, walking partners, those training for road races of various degrees can be seen using the track. Dog walkers are also included in this population of daily users. A new track and field facility will facilitate the creation of a long overdue grass roots track club for aspiring track athletes, walking and jogging groups, along with providing the environment to conduct events such as the Relay for Life. Changing the existing state of the track facility will also compliment the many recreation and sports facility initiatives that have taken place within the City of Quinte West in recent years i.e. a new YMCA facility, splash pads, sports fields, refurbished hockey arenas, a skateboard park, a newly proposed marina,etc. (Quinte West also plays host to a Junior A" hockey team and the Walleye World Fishing Derby.) The City of Quinte West, HSPEDSB and the Trenton High School Alumni Association are very results oriented and are committed to seeing the THS Track Quest project through to the finish line. To date, close to $400,000 has been raised for THS TRACK QUEST and becoming one of the 10 recipients of an Aviva Community Fund grant would be a huge boost to the fundraising efforts that are taking place within the community. Achieving an Aviva Community Fund grant will be a reflection of the same level spirit and participation that was shown during that national online contest along with the level of support that continues to manifest throughout the City of Quinte West. THS TRACK QUEST wants our citizens to share in the level of pride and social benefits that a new track and field facility provides a community. In essence, the health and fitness goal for THS TRACK QUEST is to ensure that ones overall well-being is catered to. If successful in making it as a top 10 finalists, we hope that the judges view our project as one that not only provides for a better quality of life but is also deemed as a project that is being engaged in by individuals, both young and old! Good luck to all of the entries. Everyone is a winner. "Aviva Me!"