COLLABORATING FOR SUCCESS:

The Friends of Lebanon Recreation & Parks and the Lebanon High School Track Rebuild Committee have partnered together for the "Bring Back the Track Campaign." Together we agree that both entities want to promote the active lifestyles, wellbeing, and vitality of our community. When you choose to donate you can select to donate towards the Bring Back the Track - LHS Rebuild the Track Campaign or Friends of Leb Rec - Where needed most.

LHS Rebuild CHALLENGE: The Lebanon Track is currently in a state of disrepair that is unsafe for school and community use.

LHS Rebuild SOLUTION:

One-time, infrastructure repairs will allow for and stimulate use while providing a valuable community resource for public events and recreational activity.

LHS Rebuild STORY:

In October 2021, a group of volunteers gathered to form a committee with a single purpose – launch the “Bring Back the Track” campaign and raise $300,000 in private philanthropy to offset costs associated with improving the track located at Lebanon High School. In recent years, the track has deteriorated to the point that athletic teams and community members cannot safely use the facility for fear of injury. Lebanon School District SAU #88 committed upfront funds of $1,070,000 to get the project started with the understanding that since the track is a community resource, fundraising is an integral part of the project’s success. To receive tax-deductible philanthropic dollars, the campaign committee signed a memorandum of understanding with the Friends of Lebanon Recreation and Parks (Friends), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit to accept donations on our behalf. Founded in 2014, the Friends mission is to raise funds to support and enhance recreation and parks in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

LHS Rebuild Committee:

The campaign committee is chaired by Brooke Herndon, who has over 30-years of experience in fundraising and campaign work for non-profit organizations. Committee members include Dick Milius, chair of the Lebanon City school board; local business owners, Bruce Bergeron and Billy Cioffredi; Lebanon High School track and cross country coach, Kevin Lozeau; Lebanon Middle School library media specialist, Rachel Roper; Mount Lebanon Elementary School library media specialist, Jody Stone; and Lebanon resident, Melissa Crowe.

LHS Rebuild PROJECT:

The scope of the project includes a new underground drainage system and an asphalt base to properly support the track surface and jumping pits. Laying new drainage is vital to maintaining the quality of each subsequent layer of construction. A new layer of asphalt is essential as it provides a consistent level and durable base for the rubberized track surface. These improvements are one-time costs, and by committing to the construction of quality infrastructure we not only protect our investment in the new facility but also ensure a significantly lower cost for future repairs. As with any athletic venue, even rubberized tracks need occasional resurfacing to maintain a soft and durable place to train and compete. Because it has been over a decade since its last repair, many areas of the track are exposed asphalt, and we are facing a need to fully resurface the LHS track and jumping runways. This involves replacing the single-layer track with a multi-layer rubberized surface around the entire oval as well as on the runways and high jump apron.

LHS Rebuild IMPACT:

The quality and condition of a rubberized track surface significantly impact the quality of the experience for those who use it. This includes a reduction in injuries and an increase in performance levels. Additionally, a high-quality surface helps to protect the base infrastructure from the elements and wear, reducing the need for repairs in the future. The track is a resource for the Lebanon school systems and the community at large. Many organizations such as Relay for Life, Lebanon Recreation and Parks, and the US Army use the track for events and training. A safe track will inspire other opportunities for expanded use of the facility creating local economic stimulus. Once we are "Back on Track" the school programs and Recreation and Parks middle school program will be able to host track and field meets. These meets bring teams and spectators to Lebanon from many parts of New Hampshire and Vermont. The track program plants a seed in young people to learn about discipline, competition, sportsmanship, goal setting, healthy exercise and so much more. The committee has heard numerous stories about the life-changing opportunities that track and field programs and the availability of these resources have had on the lives of young and old alike. Local residents use it as a way to stay fit. Private trainers use it to help their clients meet their goals. Numerous teams use it as part of their training, and we have seen many local athletes go on to compete at various colleges. Physical education classes carry out curriculum requirements on the track. Unfortunately, the track is so damaged now that it is dangerous and is no longer used in the multiple ways it has in the past.

LHS Rebuild THE FUTURE:

Help us to get "Back on Track" so that we can once again see the level of activity we saw 8-10 years ago. The pride that hosting meets, training, holding fundraisers for meaningful causes and meeting goals will be seen on the smiling faces of those who use it. The enthusiasm will be contagious, and these programs will grow, and more lives will be changed for the better.

About the Friends of Lebanon Recreation & Parks:

The organization is structured under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It's mission is to advocate for and raise funds through various means to support and enhance recreational activities and parks for all residents in Lebanon and West Lebanon, NH. It also serves as a fiscal sponsor for organizations raising funds to support parks and recreation directly and community activities held within Lebanon and West Lebanon, NH park facilities or locations.