The residents and students of the Island Trees School District celebrated the recent installation of their new outdoor track with a ribbon cutting ceremony held last week.

For many years, the district track team experienced low student participation because the old cinder track was not sufficient to allow track officials to sanction any home meets. Students who participated would have to go elsewhere for their meets as there were no areas available for high jump, long jump, discus and shot put that are necessary for track competition.

In December 2001, residents who live in the Island Trees School District passed a bond issue that would allow for the construction of a new track, in addition to many other projects which have either already or will take place in the district. Back in August 2001, Superintendent of Schools Richard N. Segerdahl told residents that the current track is in desperate need of repair. He noted that Island Trees was one of the few districts left on Long Island with a cinder track. In addition, the cinder track could not withstand all weather conditions and the maintenance of the cinder track on a regular basis actually proved to be more expensive in the long run as opposed to replacing the track altogether. The superintendent further noted that the track provides another physical education activity for students, which was especially important since it was estimated that there would be more than 200 more students at the high school within the next few years.

The district's anticipation of student excitement regarding the new track was certainly realized, as many middle and high school students have been signing up for the spring track team. In addition, the track is an asset to the community as residents have been taking advantage of utilizing the facility for walking, jogging and running in the evening and on weekends.

In June of last year, construction began on the new track. The modern, state-of-the-art cushion running track and the construction of field events within the track excited many members of the district.

Under the direction of Track Coach William Brennan and supported by Assistant Coach John McNamara, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Monday, April 28. This date was the first home track meet held in Island Trees in the last 20 years. A large crowd of parents, staff and administrators cheered the girls on, supported by several members of the high school band.