Ethel Williams, a former local track star and supporter of the track both during the ’91 Alberta Summer Games in Stettler, was the guest of honour given the privilege of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Behind Williams is Greg Hayden, Board Chair for Clearview Public Schools and holding the ribbon are two representatives from Inter Pipeline, who were Platinum sponsors of the track. ECA Review/Submitted
Students and community figures gathered to celebrate the past and future of the Stettler Community Recreation Track.
The Shared-Use Recreational Facilities (SURF) Committee commemorated the grand reopening of the track on Sept. 20, 2019 with a ceremony that spoke to the significant past and reinvigorated future of the facility.
The committee is comprised of representatives from the Town of Stettler, County of Stettler and Clearview Public Schools.
Students, stakeholders and members of the public also gathered at the event, with speakers including Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls and Coun. Ernie Genre on behalf of the County of Stettler and Clearview Public Schools Superintendent Peter Barron.
Master of Ceremonies, Clearview Public Schools Board Chair Greg Hayden, acknowledged the efforts of the SURF Committee who instigated and oversaw the project.
The track received a state-of-the-art, UV resistant rubberized surface, which is expected to prolong the lifespan of the track considerably.
Town of Stettler councillor and member of the SURF Committee, Malcolm Fischer, addressed the history of the track and its use during the 1991 Alberta Summer Games, stating “the centrepiece of our legacy is this beloved track.”
Coun. Gendre added that the renovated track is the result of “a community that is not afraid to collaborate.”
Hayden also commended the financial support of the partners and sponsors who aided in the project.
The ceremony concluded by welcoming guest of honour, Ethel Williams, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Williams has an acclaimed history as a track star, and has been an ongoing supporter of the Stettler Community Recreation Track since its inception.
Students from participating schools surrounded Williams as she cut the ribbon and ended the event with a celebratory lap around the track.
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