Phase 1 – Walking Path

The Wellness Project initiative began last spring when Brenda Svec, Rotarian and Curriculum Director Sheffield Lake Sheffield Village Schools invited North Coast Rotary to ask Knollwood Principal Colleen Mudore, “What do you need and how can Rotary help?”

Principal Mudore wanted a safe accessible walking path to support their “Walk-a-Mile on Wednesday” program.  With help from grants from District 6600 and North Coast Rotary Foundation, generous donations from club members and strong Rotarian community connections, the path quickly became a reality. 

The talented Rotary Club Member Doug Maurer and Owner of Eliza’s Garden of Ethan Greenhouse, served as “General Contractor” designing the walking path, securing the equipment and crews, operating trucks and more.  Todd Vanek, the owner and president of King Sports Turf Company, generously donated his crew’s time and equipment to excavate the track.  Rotary club members assisted where needed.  Mulching was the final step.

Students at Knollwood Elementary School soon had a safe, accessible walking path. Peals of laughter could be heard as the children walked and ran with “Chomps” from the Cleveland Browns “Stay in the Game” program celebrating the new path.

Phase 2 of the Wellness Project followed over the next several months with the construction of fencing to better secure the area.