Digging into the Community: New Students Begin the Year with Service

Published: April 13, 2021

Greenville College students constructed a new walking/running track at William S. Waite Park on August 23 to begin the school year by serving the local community. Students and faculty spent the day digging, raking and spreading gravel to complete the 0.6 mile project.

For 11 years, new students and GC Student Development staff planted trees and cleaned up trash along the Meramec River during new student orientation. Last year, the staff decided to bring the group's service to bear on local community projects instead. "As the local event focus has unfolded, we have been delighted to see students serve and take some pride in the local community," said Vice President and Dean of Student Development Norm Hall .

At the end of the service day, students and faculty had moved over 400 tons of crushed lime to create the new trail. Greenville College is pleased to work with Jerry Sauerwein, director of Kingsbury Park District , and his team, and they hope to continue their partnership to realize a vision of improved parks for the citizens of Greenville. The Greenville Free Methodist Church and members of the Greenville College staff assisted in the project by loaning tools and serving drinks to the workers.

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