Stinky Sneakers Turned into Running Tracks

An international program that turns old, stinky sneakers into gym floors, running tracks and playground surfaces is expanding in Vernon Hills.

The village's public works department this week became a year-round collection point for the Reuse-A-Shoe recycling program, which launched in 1993 and is headed by Nike and the National Recycling Coalition.

Most previous local collection efforts have been part-time projects or limited in scope. But Vernon Hills officials and say it's worthy of greater attention.

"People in our community take a very strong view of recycling, and in my mind it's very positive," Village Administrator Michael Allison said