At sunrise on the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy track, you’ll find more than just footsteps — you’ll find a community. Most mornings, while the campus is still quiet, a steady group of walkers circles the track. They move at an easy pace, trading stories, checking in on one another, and marking the days not only by laps completed but also by friendships deepened. For them, the SCH track has become far more than a place to exercise. It has become a gathering spot that reflects the spirit of the community.

Among the walkers is Brad Fishman, who has been a part of the group since moving to Mt. Airy five years ago. A lifelong runner and walker, Fishman has logged miles for more than 50 years.

“It’ll be five years for me in January,” he said, noting that while his days of running are behind him, the consistency of walking with others keeps him coming back. His only small complaint? The track’s bathrooms are always locked, creating an inconvenience for everyone. Still, Fishman’s dedication is clear, and his presence is a familiar one in the mornings.

Brenda Mackwell found her way to the track through a more personal connection. Her son, a member of the Chestnut Hill Academy Class of 1988, encouraged her to start walking there about seven or eight years ago. Since then, Mackwell has become a regular, weaving her own family history at SCH into the makeup of the group. For her, the track is not only about staying active but also maintaining a connection to the school her son attended.

The two are part of a group of about 10 to 12 consistent regulars. Over time, these walkers have created traditions that go beyond fitness. Birthdays, for example, are a big deal. One woman, described as a leader in the group, keeps a calendar of everyone’s birthdays and organizes small celebrations at the track. It’s these thoughtful touches that transform a routine workout into something that feels more like family.

One of the track’s longest regulars, Andrea Imperatore, brings an established perspective to the group of walkers. More than five decades ago, after the birth of her second child, she was encouraged by a neighbor to try running on the SCH track.

“It started as a way to get in shape after having my daughter, and it quickly became a daily habit,” she recalled.

Over the years, Imperatore has seen the track transform, not just in its physical surface, but also in the makeup of the people who use it. From the original cinder track, to wood chips, and eventually the current cushioned surface, and the strong community through it all, her story reflects the evolution of the broader community that has formed there.

Imperatore has deep roots woven into many aspects of SCH. Her children and grandchildren attended the school, and her daughter even taught there for a time. She appreciates the openness of the track, emphasizing how rare it is for a community to have such easy access to such a welcoming and beautiful space. For her, what sets this group apart are the simple joys of their conversations, walking meditations, and their traditions like birthday celebrations.

She emphasizes the great storytelling that occurs on the track, saying, “There’s always a new story. Every single day, there’s a new story. It’s just an amazing way to start your day.” Through Imperatore’s eyes, the SCH track stands as a symbol of lifelong connections and community generosity.

As age has forced many to adapt from running to walking, the community spirit has only grown stronger. Many of the walkers note how important the track’s surface is, especially for those managing bad knees or backs. The SCH track provides a safe, reliable space where health, wellness, and friendship can intersect.

What began as a way to stay active has turned into a community tradition. On any given morning, as the sun rises over Willow Grove Avenue, the walkers remind us that the SCH community is not defined solely by students and teachers. It’s built by the neighbors, alumni families, and friends who find belonging here too.

Brady Grieve is a student at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.