Members of the Lansing Sportsmen’s Club pledged $99,999 to make the walking track at the Bridgeport Schools’ multipurpose “Bridge” a reality. The group has a long-standing relationship with the school district and both are committed to giving back to the community. (Photo provided)

BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Exempted Village School District board of education thanks the Lansing Sportsmen’s Club for a generous investment in the future of the youth and the community. The club has pledged an eye-opening sum of $99,999 for the walking track to be located on the second story of the multipurpose facility to be dubbed “the Bridge” and nearing completion on the district campus.

Superintendent Brent Ripley and the board thanked the sportsmen’s club Feb. 18.

Ripley said he spoke to the club and they saw great potential in the Bridge, a grant-funded 31,000 square foot building under construction on the district campus. The $13.8 million facility is designed as a center for education and training, health services and a venue for community events.

He thanked the sportsmen’s club for their commitment to the spirit of service.

“Life’s about giving back,” he said. “You’re about serving one another. That’s what you do.”

Ripley said a walking track was a popular suggestion during the extensive planning sessions with area stakeholders and members of the public. They agreed the track would be a valuable addition to the fitness offerings at the Bridge, and locating it on the second floor will be convenient considering the wide variety of services to be housed in the building. Ripley commended the sportsmen’s club for making this element a reality and helping the school district in its mission to give back to the community.

When completed, the Bridge promises to make Bridgeport a hub of services in a single convenient location for the surrounding area.

“That’s one facet of what we’re doing. We need to not just ask what our community can do for us, but instead, we need to be doing more for our communities that make up Bridgeport and the Ohio Valley.”

Board of Education President Kori Rosnick shared her gratitude.

“Your generosity both to the district and the community is beyond words. We genuinely thank you.”

Vice President Ryan Kreiter agreed.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for this district and this community, and your donation just further enhances what we’re trying to do as to that project and helps us benefit so many people.”

Board member Pat McConnaughy added the Lansing Sportsmen’s Club has a long-standing relationship with the school district and has provided important assistance with other projects such as the school district’s field house.

“We absolutely appreciate everything you guys have done.”

Karrie Puskas said the sportsmen’s club members can always be counted on to carefully consider the value of a project before committing. Club members asked incisive questions and got a close look at the Bridge site.

“I appreciate you guys taking time out of your day and coming and touring it and making a consideration for the donation,” she said. “The legacy of the Sportsmen’s Club is always going to be at the Bridgeport school district, so thank you again.”

Don Cash said local investment is invaluable.

“I appreciate your support.”

Club members said when they took the tour they saw clearly how the Bridge will benefit the students and the community.

Trustee Dan Nameth elaborated afterward.

“It was basically the memberships’ decision to give support to the Bridgeport new Bridge project to the tune of $99,999,” he said. “We were very impressed, and these gentlemen also took the tour with me. There was about four or five of us. It changed a lot of peoples’ minds, put a lot of different insight into what these fellows are trying to do down here for the school district.”

Ripley said the sportsmen’s club will always be welcome in the community area when they host their large group events and Christmas gift giving for children who would otherwise go without.

The club members are invited to the Bridge’s ribbon cutting in August.

The ribbon cutting has been narrowed down to Aug. 13 or 14. The Bridge will house daycare, a medical clinic run by WVU Medicine, dental offices, veterinary services and training. The fitness center to be named “the Dog Pound” will offer workout equipment for student athletes and the public, as well as a Silver Sneakers program for senior citizens.