If there is one thing everyone can agree on; after the beautiful green space and soccer field brought to life on the west side of Gordon Bell School, the school energy retrofit, overhaul of the heating system and replacement and addition of new windows and doors – the running track on the other side of the school is looking pretty “beat up.”
But students are working on changing that through a new project with Baskets and Borders, a non-profit that helps to bring renewal through community engagement, and sport. Justin Lee, originally from Regina and co-founder of the organization was meeting with students to begin work on a new design that will “tell a story,” he told The Leaf, while restoring the surface of the sports field and track.
Students recounted using the outdoor space to maintain personal distance over lunch hours under COVID restrictions, and for the last year and a half, construction equipment and materials have been stored on the field.
Now, explained vice principal Nicole Frykas, students will help create a bright and colourful track surface that will include two basketball, tennis and pickle ball courts. Regulation court and track lines will be a part of the renewal, but the traditional markers will be over a meaningful design for the students. “It makes it unique, much more beautiful, promotes the game, and promotes celebrating culture and inclusivity,” said Lee, “positive places for kids to be.”
“We’re just really excited and grateful for the opportunity to connect with our future partners and kids are obviously going to use it tons,” said Frykas. “We can’t wait for the community to join us here too.”
The project will be a part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the school in October later this year.

Top photo: Gordon Bell students started drawing design ideas for their east side sports field on May 28, in a renewal project with Borders and Baskets in partnership with the Sea Bears Basketball team. Photo Terese Taylor