With 2021 winding down, the goal to raise $1.5 million for the upgrade of the Ballenas track is still being pursued by the Oceanside Community Track Committee, the group that oversees the project.
It received a major boost when the Parksville Lions donated $10,000 to help fund the project of replacing the dilapidated cinder track with an all-season rubberized training track.
The track committee is in aiming to raise $200,000 from local businesses and organizations before the tentative deadline of March 31, 2022, to permit construction in the spring of 2022.
“This project has been a marathon for over 20 years and now it’s sprint to the finish line,” said Michael Garland, who heads the fundraiser for the Ballenas track upgrade.
READ MORE: Fundraising for Parksville track upgrade project more than halfway to $1.5M finish line
The Lions are challenging all other service clubs from Nanoose Bay to Bowser to show their support by contributing to the cost of the athletic track project, which is considered a health and wellness endeavour that will benefit residents of all ages and abilities in the region.
Donations are eligible for a Canada Revenue Agency tax receipt.
For project information go to Oceanside Community Track - Oceanside Community Track