Richland receives 'healthy' grant

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Richland Elementary will benefit from a $75,000 grant to build a walking track as well as additional fitness equipment.

West Memphis School District physical education coordinator Jody Fenter wrote the grant that was accepted by the Blue and You Foundation. Richland is only one of 31 programs and 215 applicants to receive the grant.

"(The walking trail) is going to be beautiful, and adding that on top of all the other new construction going on at our school it's going to be a sight to behold," said Richland principal Gwen Looney.

The Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is a charitable foundation established and funded by the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote better health in the state.

"Richland students have, in the past 10 years, averaged about 15,000 miles per year walking at the school," said Fenter. "The entire school is dedicated to the success of this Walking Club that promotes a healthy lifestyle."

Fenter said the surrounding neighborhood will also benefit from the walking trail because the school is located in the center of a residential neighborhood.

"I feel confident that the entire city of West Memphis would use this trail because it is in a very safe location," Fenter added. "I have the same feeling as the movie 'Field of Dreams.' If you build it, they will come."

The project will also call for fitness equipment that includes a pull-up bar, sit-up station, fitness ropes and a stationary bike.

"My students can't wait," said Richland P.E. instructor Candy Eubanks. "With the construction currently going on at our school they haven't been able to do any walking. They are going to be more than excited to have that pavement to walk on when it's finished."