By Nathan Dufault, Eastside Community Track & Field Fund

East side community members are mobilizing to give Demetral Park a major upgrade. The Eastside Community Track & Field Fund, a grassroots effort led by neighbors, families, athletes and local partners, is working to replace the park’s aging 440-yard cinder track with a modern, professional-grade surface.

The goal is to create a safe, high-quality training venue for East High School’s track and cross-country teams, while keeping the facility open and free for everyone in the community to use. Additionally, the soccer, ultimate Frisbee and football teams at East will benefit from an upgraded natural grass infield. It will be a 400-meter rubberized track

For years, East athletes have traveled to use quality training spaces.

“A modern track at East High would transform how our athletes see themselves and their team,” said Jessa Victor, head girls cross-country coach at East. “It shows them that their community believes in their potential — and that belief builds confidence every time they step on the line.”

Supporters say the new facility would be more than an athletic upgrade — it would be a hub for neighborhood fitness, youth sports and community pride.

The group is raising funds to design and construct a durable, accessible and inclusive facility that welcomes runners, walkers, families and people of all ages and abilities. While this project is supported by the Madison Metropolitan School District and East High, it’s driven entirely by the community. The Madison Public Schools Foundation serves as the project’s fiscal sponsor, and local residents and businesses are already stepping up to help.

To learn more about the project, visit eastsidecommunitytrack.com.

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