The project, which was completed over spring break, was carried out entirely through donations of materials, labor, and equipment, resulting in no cost to Woodland Public Schools
Local businesses and resident volunteers of Woodland came together to construct a quarter-mile gravel walking track at Columbia Elementary School. The project, which was completed over spring break, was carried out entirely through donations of materials, labor, and equipment, resulting in no cost to Woodland Public Schools.
The idea for the walking track stemmed from a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting, where a parent expressed interest in the project. “It’s been on my ‘want’ list for a few years and something that we have looked at multiple times,” said David Starkey, Principal of Columbia Elementary. “At that time, we couldn’t figure out a way to fund the project.”
The project was spearheaded by Katie Murdock, a PTSA board member and parent of a third-grade student at Columbia. She coordinated with contractors, rallied volunteers, and raised funds to bring the idea to fruition. “When it comes to the people who stepped up, I was lucky to raise my kids in a community like Woodland,” she said. “I don’t have words for how amazed and grateful I am for all the support that the community showed for this project.”
Among the key contributors were Ryan and Amanda Goulet of Ryan’s Excavating and Trucking. Despite not having children at Columbia Elementary, the Goulets were eager to give back to their community. “We love to give back and that field really did need a walking path,” said Ryan. “It wasn’t hard to find people willing to volunteer their resources for such a good cause.”
Other contributors included Simplicity by Hayden Homes, C&E Rentals, and Matt Rychel, a fellow Woodland community member and parent at Columbia Elementary. The project, which would have cost about $11,000, was made possible through these generous donors and volunteers.
The gravel track is now being used by students during physical education and recess and is also open for community use as well. The school and community plans to eventually have the track blacktopped and sealed, making it more efficient and ADA-accessible. However, additional funds are still needed for this final stage.
Those interested in contributing to the final stage of the project can contact the Woodland PTSA for information on how to donate at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/woodland.ptsa.
Learn more about how Woodland Public Schools educates students and serves the community by visiting the dedicated news webpage at www.woodlandschools.org/news/wsd
Information provided by the Woodland School District.
Also read:
- VIDEO: Vote-by-mail rules in WA at risk in SCOTUS election law case
More than 127,000 Washington ballots postmarked by Election Day but received after could be disqualified under a possible Supreme Court ruling, prompting debate from both parties. - Rounding out debate, Gov. Ferguson signs bill addressing retailers’ penny problem
A new Washington law lets merchants round cash purchases to the nearest 5 cents, aiming to manage change as shortages of pennies affect both businesses and customers. - Opinion: State is rightly emphasizing experience and skills, not degrees
Elizabeth New explains how a new state policy removes unnecessary advanced degree requirements, supporting skills-based employment and broadening opportunities for capable workers. - Opinion: The wealth migration is real – which states are benefiting?
IRS data shows Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming attracted significant wealth from new residents, while Washington state saw a loss of $500 million as its new capital gains tax took effect. - Expect delays on SR 14 in Vancouver for guardrail repairs Wednesday
State Route 14 travelers in Vancouver should plan for morning delays as WSDOT will close two eastbound lanes for guardrail repairs, affecting mileposts 6.0 to 7.0. - Clark County Fire District 10 responds to fatal structure fire on NE Fargher Drive
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to a structure fire on NE Fargher Drive in Amboy, where two victims lost their lives despite rescue and medical efforts. - Opinion: Voting with the Democrat Party – Back to the future!
Lars Larson connects the history of election rules to today’s debates, highlighting Supreme Court concerns over counting ballots after Election Day.
