Parksville Runners Celebrate New $1.6 Million Track After 27 Years of Fundraising

After nearly three decades of fundraising efforts, runners in Parksville, British Columbia, have finally unveiled a state-of-the-art track valued at $1.6 million. This new facility replaces a dilapidated dirt and grass track that had posed safety risks and led to the cancellation of numerous school sports events.

For years, local athletes trained on a makeshift surface that was difficult to navigate. Eight-year-old runner Sione Ash shared, “The old dirt and grass track was so hard to run. It was kind of slippery.” His sentiment was echoed by Mark Desvaux, an organizer with the Oceanside Community Track Association, who noted that elementary and secondary schools had to cancel their sports days for three consecutive years due to unsafe conditions.

Community Spirit Fuels the Project

The new track, located behind Ballenas Secondary School on Pym Street, is designed with cushioning and accessibility features, ensuring that athletes from the Special Olympics can train effectively. Community members rallied together, conducting various fundraisers including bottle drives to make this dream a reality.

“It’s one of the most amazing things that we can have now for the whole community,” Desvaux said, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that made the track possible. Jane Waite, a coach with Oceanside Track & Field, expressed her joy, stating, “Isn’t this wonderful? It makes me so happy.”

The journey to this achievement has been long, with 27 years of efforts culminating in the recent completion of the track. The first runners were eager to try the new facility before its official opening, highlighting the excitement surrounding its debut.

A New Beginning for Local Athletes

Oceanside senior Wayne Deal commented on the positive atmosphere of the new track, saying, “This is really nice. It’s just nice to get out in the fresh air, and you know the companionship of all my friends.” He emphasized the track’s impact on those with injuries, noting a fellow runner who had just completed 800 meters for the first time in 20 years.

Coach Karl Binder from Ballenas Secondary also acknowledged the track’s significance for the community, stating that it would enhance the training environment for all athletes. The project not only represents a physical space for training but also symbolizes the determination and unity of the Parksville community.

With the new track now open, Parksville runners have a safe and modern facility to pursue their athletic goals, marking a significant milestone in the community’s sports history. The journey from an unsafe dirt track to a premium running surface showcases the power of collective effort in achieving a shared vision.