New Fitness Trail to Replace Track at MacArthur

10/23/2012 (Updated 10/24/2012 9:48:57 AM)

A sign, not posted by the Binghamton City School District according to Assistant Superintendent Steven Deinhardt, hung on the fence outside the track at MacArthur School stating the school is getting rid of the track.  And that caused a lot of concern among those who use the track.

Preliminary plans for the new MacArthur Elementary School in Binghamton's Southside includes the elimination of the track, but a new, bigger and better fitness trail is planned to take its place.

The new trail will be half a mile as opposed to the current quarter mile track which is more than 40 years old.

The design is not set in stone, but some folks have some concerns.

"I heard that they were going to get rid of the track and that they were going to put a path around behind the school, and I was worried about the safety issues with that," said frequent track use Theron Verdon. 

"I know this is up in the air so I want to make sure that I keep an open mind about it.  But, I'm always going to be concerned about something like that, especially considering how many people I see using the track at night.  I'm worried about their safety."

The new trail will be equipped with new lighting and a camera surveillance system.

One of the biggest concerns that has been brought to the school district's attention is the need for a practice and playing field that currently exist at MacArthur park within the track.

Deinhardt said they will continue to make tweaks to the plans until it fits the needs of the community.

Construction will not start until the plans are approved by FEMA.

The public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the plans for the new school with the board sometime in November.

The baseball fields, tennis courts, and playground in MacArthur Park are property of the City of Binghamton.

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