“”Students from the district’s School of Technology and Arts II (SOTA II) offered their time and talents to help finish the transformation of Leuth Park in La Crosse.
The SOTA II service learning project is a continuing partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA.) The project had students contributing to the renovation and building projects being completed on the skate park and new bicycle playground and pump track at Leuth Park in La Crosse. SOTA II students and staff worked on painting, landscaping, and other skate park repairs.
“We are excited to have our students involved in this project because anytime they can engage in service learning close to home, it’s a chance for them to feel like they contribute in a meaningful way to their community,” said SOTA II teacher Josh Wolcott. “This is an awesome resource for young athletes and teenagers who might explore sports like biking or skating. It’s also a tremendous resource to have available in our community. If students are involved in building it, they are much more likely to treat the park with respect and encourage their friends to do the same.”
Once the park renovation is complete, SOTA II students will bring their bikes, skateboards, and scooters to test ride the tracks. SOTA II staff will also utilize the personally relevant educational opportunity to teach some physics concepts.
The City of La Crosse began with proposed improvements at the existing concrete skate park and the Outdoor Recreation Alliance expanded the project with the addition of the bicycle playground. ORA’s mission is to promote, protect, and develop outdoor recreation opportunities in the 7 Rivers Region. ORA reached out to its members and supporters, and with the help of a $40,000 grant from the La Crosse Community Foundation, were able to bring the idea from concept to completion in less than a year.
“The park’s visibility and key location along a major thoroughfare, with close proximity to college campuses and diverse neighborhoods, provides convenient access for a wide range of users,” said Outdoor Recreation Alliance vice president Jed Olson. “With the completion of the proposed improvements, the park will serve as an activity hub and a highlight of the neighborhood, fostering pride and building community.”””””[vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”0″ images=”14466,14467,14463,14471,14465,14468,14464,14469,14470,14472,14473″ img_size=”625×417″]””
