Harbor Heights put fitness first

New walking track gives students an exercise alternative

Paige Richmond

of the Gateway

The idea for the new $5,000 walking track at Harbor Heights Elementary School seemed to develop coincidentally from a few different places at the same time.

Tom Herron, a pediatrician at Harbor Pediatrics, had sent a letter to each elementary school in the Peninsula School District, offering to pledge $300 if the school implemented a running and walking club.

At the same time, Harbor Heights PE Teacher Dave Rucci had been thinking about starting a similar program.

Although students at Harbor Heights already attend a PE class once a week, there was no designated track on campus where students could safely walk or run.

The school had sometimes used the one at nearby Goodman Middle School, but borrowing a track wasn’t as ideal as Harbor Heights having its own.

So when the school’s PTA heard about the two ideas last year, there was no hesitation in moving forward — especially when PTA member and Harbor Heights Health Technician Shawna Keller learned that the Peninsula Metropolitan Parks District had grants available.

The walking track went in quickly: It was completed last month.

“It’s about having a place for kids to walk and run,” Keller said about why the PTA paid more than $2,000 to fund the track, “and to get them involved in more than just PE.”

The simplicity of the track is part of its success, said Andrea Stephens, the PTA president when the track was approved.

Stephens has two children who attend Harbor Heights, and she noticed that the school’s field was too “muddy most of the time” for kids to walk on.

“There isn’t a good place for kids to walk anywhere else,” she said.

That meant some students would just stand around at recess, talking instead of getting moving.

The lack of activity is one reason why Herron offered to fund walking and running programs at local elementary schools.

“We see that as very vital here in pediatrics, because of the weight problem, obesity, lack of exercise — how that’s all tied in,” he said.

PenMet Parks wanted to encourage exercise, as well. The parks district gave Harbor Heights $2,500 toward the construction of the walking track as part of its Park Enhancement Grant Program.

The program focuses on providing money to improve community recreational resources, PenMet’s Eric Gunther said, adding that there was a clear “need” at Harbor Heights.

The school plans to put the track to good use: Stephens said the school hopes to implement a walking club for students called Harbor Hikers, where kids will receive prizes for completing laps during recess.

Although the program isn’t yet finalized, it’s one more step to encourage fitness among students.

“This is a great way to get kids moving, especially the kids who might sit on the sidelines at recess and watch what’s happening,” Stephens said. “Now, they might get up and walk.”

PenMet PEG grants

The walking track at Harbor Heights Elementary School was partially funded by a Park Enhancement grant from Peninsula Metropolitan Parks.

Other PEG grant projects for 2008 include:

The Peninsula Athletic Association and volleyball players with the City of Gig Harbor, who are building a sand volleyball court at the corner of Vernhardson Street and Crescent Valley Drive. Amount: $19,450.

The Morris Foundation, Gig Harbor High School Sports Boosters and Rosedale Gardens, along with the Peninsula School District, are building a new and improved viewing area for tennis courts. Amount: $2,215.

EnviroCorps is working with volunteers on numerous parks maintenance projects while upgrading tools and equipment. Amount: $1,000.

The PenMet Foundation, along with PenMet Parks, is developing a Boundless Playground at Sehmel Homestead Park. Amount: $20,000.

The Master Gardeners of Pierce County, along with PenMet Parks, is developing demonstration gardens at Sehmel Homestead Park. Amount: $10,000.

Reach Reporter and Columnist Paige Richmond at 253-853-9243 or by e-mail at paige.richmond@gateline.com.