LISBON — On the morning of July 14, Superintendent of Schools Richard Green greeted a small group of guests for a ceremony to begin a project to renovate the Lisbon School Department’s track and field.

Guests included the Lisbon School Committee, school department employees, students and residents. John Cornish, the owner of Maine Tennis and Track, and Bob Walton, a Lisbon High School graduate and representative from Labbe Construction, were present.

Green acknowledged the members of the Lisbon School Committee for their role in providing the direction, guidance and support and he thanked the citizens of Lisbon and Lisbon Falls for their support, noting, “What seemed like an impossible dream will start to become a reality today.”

He recognized the commitment that the citizens have made to the school department and noted that it is our goal to, “Make sure that you see a return on the investment.”

Members of the administrative team and central office support were thanked as they worked behind the scenes to make sure that the track process continues to move forward.

Green said there were many citizens who were not “quiet” throughout the early stages. Green acknowledged two individuals who were  involved and vocal. Dean Willey, a parent, was been actively involved over the last year and managed to fund and organize a private campaign to support the renovation project. Coach Dean Hall, who has called the track home for many years, was involved with the campaign since its inception.

Knowing how long Hall waited for the day, Green passed the ceremonial shovel to him to break ground. The shovel and sample of soil will be placed on display in the new Lisbon High School gym that is scheduled to begin construction in the next few months.

For more information, visit www.lisbonschoolsme.org.