by Laura Walz [email protected] Sunny weather and stunning views marked the official opening of the community athletic track and sports field at Timberlane on Friday, October 14.
George Thomson, a member of Powell River Clansmen Pipe Band, piped dignitaries onto the track for the opening ceremony. Bill Reid, City of Powell River’s director of parks, recreation and culture, welcomed participants, Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nations elder Dr. Elsie Paul gave a first nations blessing and Allison Lanigan sang O Canada.
Debby Lewis, chair of School District 47 Board of Education, expressed her appreciation to city and school district officials. “I feel this facility is going to enhance our students and enhance the wellness in this community,” she said.
Greg Hemphill, president of the board of directors of Powell River Community Forest Ltd., said the track was the first project funded by the organization. The 2007, 2008 and 2009 community forest dividends totalling $929,343 were used for the project. “We’re very pleased to see it open,” he said. “One of the reasons our board supported the project was the opportunity to join up with other funding partners to be involved in something a little more substantial than we could do on our own.”
In addition to the community forest funds, the project, which cost about $2.5 million, was funded through a combination of contributions, including $609,938 from the school district, a $656,800 RinC (Recreation Infrastructure Canada) grant and $299,377 in short-term borrowing by the city.
Mayor Stewart Alsgard read comments from MP John Weston, who could not attend the opening, as well as providing his own comments, expressing his appreciation for everyone who worked on the project. He said it was “our track, our place, our community, our people, our future. You are the people who are going to make it so.”
Jamie Zroback, president and coach of Powell River Villa Soccer Club, also expressed his appreciation to everyone who made the project possible. “This has been our home field for over 30 years and it’s been known in the league as one of the toughest places to play,” he said. “We’re hoping that for the many years to come it will continue to be the toughest place to play. We’re now going to be the envy of the league with this beautiful field.”
Russell Brewer, representing Powell River Track and Field Club, recognized former and current track and field notables, including Scott Glaspey, head coach of the club for many years, and Connie Polman Tuin, who competed in the heptathlon at the 1984 Olympics. “Next year will mark 100 years that there has been some form of organized track and field activity here in Powell River,” Brewer said. “Perhaps we can plan on hosting the championships here again.” The BC championships were held in Powell River in 1935.
A 4x100-metre relay was held to officially open the facility. Harry Thompson, who is 88 years old and has over 200 medals in track and field, led off the relay, handing the baton to Cale Hernandez, a high school track star. Calli-Ann Abbott, a junior development star, and Casey Hollingsworth, one of the youngest track athletes, rounded out the relay.
The track is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Washrooms are also open during those hours. Community members are encouraged to use lanes three to eight for exercise, as lanes one and two are used for training. Dogs, rollerskates, rollerblades and bicycles are not allowed on the track.
