BRUNSWICK
Supporters of a new, outdoor track at Brunswick High School may set up a private, nonprofit fundraising arm to raise money for the estimated $860,000 project.
If a nonprofit is established, it may follow the lead set by the Tri- Town Track and Field project of Regional School Unit 5.
On Jan. 10, voters of RSU 5 communities
Freeport, Pownal and Durham will decide whether to spend $1.5 million for a new, eight-lane track and field. Tri-Town Track and Field supporters have already raised $2.3 million of the $4 million overall cost.
Brunswick School District Business Manager Kelly Wentworth — who until recently held the same position at RSU 5 — explained to the facilities committee on Thursday how RSU 5 residents privately raised money for a new track and field.
BHS’s track is 22 years old and in poor condition. Track meets between Brunswick runners and field athletes cannot be held at the high school.
Athletes have had to contend with grass growing up through the track, an uphill approach to the long jump and overlapping spaces for discus throwers and shot putters.
On Thursday, Superintendent Paul Perzanoski made no promises nor pledged support of any kind for the local new track enthusiasts.
There is between $250,000 and $500,000 in the town’s capital improvement fund to replace the aging track, Perzanoski said.
“It is still there,” he said, but it is up to the town council to approve spending that money.
Track supporters asked about a town or school department pledge of financial support to back up private fundraising efforts.
“Whether or not there would be any match committed, I don’t have that answer for you,” Perzanoski said.
Brunswick’s finance committee would need to review a field and track plan before the idea is presented to the town council.
It’s not on the committee’s radar screen, according to Town Council Chairwoman Alison Harris.
“It’s never risen to the level where it’s in this year’s spending package,” she said.
lconnell@timesrecord.com
Poor condition
• BRUNSWICK HIGH School’s track is 22 years old and in poor condition. Track meets between Brunswick runners and field athletes cannot be held at the high school.
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