Groundbreaking ceremony held for exercise fitness trail

Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to have many benefits, including helping to improve students’ academic performance and their overall wellness.

Students at Burton-Pack Elementary School soon will have an interactive exercise fitness trail on their campus that they can use daily. The project is an initiative of the Columbia chapter of The Links, Inc., which “adopted” Burton-Pack in 2014. Three local construction companies – Brownstone Construction, Contract Construction and Orion Construction – are donating the labor and materials for the exercise fitness trail.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held August 31 to kick off the project. Speakers were Burton-Pack Principal Dr. Sarah G. Smith; Brandolyn Pinkston and Bettie Owens of The Links; Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon; and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. Attendees included Burton-Pack students and staff and members of the Belvedere Neighborhood Association.

When completed in November, the exercise fitness trail will include several exercise stations with signs that give step-by-step instructions on various physical activities, such as jumping jacks or sit-ups. The exercise fitness trail also will feature benches and student gardens.

“The students and Belvedere community members are excited about having an exercise trail on site. It is conveniently located and students will have easy access to exercise on a daily basis,” said Principal Dr. Sarah G. Smith.”