IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Slippery Rock University health professor funds community jogging path

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Michael Cleary, Slippery Rock University professor of health and safety, has made a foot-friendly contribution to his community’s fitness. He donated $5,800 to build a cushioned jogging path next to Grove City High School. 

            The public and Grove City junior and senior high school runners will use the path as part of the high school’s cross-country course.

            Cleary, who has lived in Grove City 20 years, funded the entire project to provide a safe setting for exercise and to raise awareness of the importance of physical fitness. He also funds a track and field scholarship at SRU.

            “It’s no secret that many Americans need to get in better shape. This is my way of giving back,” he said. “The path will be built with crushed limestone aggregate specially made for walkers and joggers. Some people like to jog on roads, but I thought this would be a more forgiving surface.”

            The three-quarter mile path will be 10-foot wide to accommodate people running in either direction.

Grove City Borough Council approved the project last month. Work has begun, and Cleary said the path will be finished before Grove City High School’s Sept. 6 cross country meet.

“My wife and I have been jogging on it for a few days,” he said.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.