Land Use Agreement Provides New Training Trail for Portage Runners

(Portage, WI) – Student athletes at Portage High School participating in Cross Country have a new training trail thanks to a land use agreement between the school district and Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital and Clinics (ADS).

The primary one-mile trail routes through district and ADS property and was first used during the week of August 14. District officials will provide upkeep of the trail which will require mowing about once a week.

"We are excited about this partnership with Aspirus to provide an area for our athletes to train," said Dan Bare, Assistant Cross Country Coach at Portage High School. "Having this area so close will allow us to use our time more efficiently to work with our athletes, but the biggest benefit is safety as we can do workouts near the school without needing to cross busy roads and deal with traffic. Also, being able to run on grassy trails will be good for the health of our athletes' legs as opposed to pounding on sidewalks all season long."

The trail is designed in a way to allow workouts of varying distances (.25-mile loops, .5-mile loops, 1-mile loops) depending on the abilities of the athletes or the goal of the workout. 
 
"I am so pleased we were able to work together with the district to make this happen for the kids," said ADS President Brian Kief.