Summary: Help to build a track that will surround our playground, allowing those with all abilities in our building and community the opportunity to be together while supporting health and wellness.

Goal: $5,500   •   Amount raised: $5,505   •   School: Southern Bluffs Elementary School   •   Sponsor Name: Stacy Raatz

About My Project: Southern Bluffs Elementary is currently partnering with the La Crosse County Health Department to increase physical activity of students and staff before, during, and after-school.

This is where the vision of an activity track began. I started a Walking Wednesday during our morning recess with anywhere from 50-100 kids and adults that want to walk around the perimeter of our school yard. Our feet get wet from the grass and the ground is very uneven which makes walking hazardous at times and the snowy and wet grass are a barrier during many months of the year and difficult for those with challenged abilities.

This project will support physical activity by allowing students to walk and run during recess and before and after school. Classroom teachers will also be able to integrate the track into learning in Physical Education class as well as other areas like math. The track will also be available to residents in the nearby neighborhoods to use for walking outside of school hours along with the Park and Recreation Department that will utilize it for youth track and field. This track will surround our playground, allowing those with all abilities in our building and community the opportunity to be together..

Where Your Donation Goes:
Money will go toward installation of a track that would be 10-feet wide and run on the south half of our playground along the existing black top and down around the playscape in the far field running over 500 feet in length. Three other grants/donations have already been pledged, but estimated costs are in the range of $7,500 to $16,000.

All donations to LPEF are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged via letter. LPEF adds a small surcharge to offset credit card processing fees and related expenses. For more details, see our About section.

• If fundraising falls short of the goal, money will be used to fulfill as much of the project as feasible.
• If fundraising exceeds the goal, the project will be expanded or money will go to a similar purpose at the same school.