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Following an official ribbon cutting last week, the Oceanside Track and Field Club wants the community to come celebrate their new track on Saturday, Sept.20. (Ian Holmes, NanaimoNewsNOW)
By Jordan Davidson
go for a run

‘Legacy for many generations:’ Oceanside Track and Field Club host community celebration

Sep 19, 2025 | 10:54 AM

PARKSVILLE — The Oceanside Track and Field Club (OTFC) is thrilled to finally get use out of their new track, and they’re inviting the community to join in on the fun.

Over 20 years in the making, the new Oceanside Community Track at École Ballenas Secondary School in Parksville officially opened last week, with a celebration day planned for Saturday, Sept. 20.

OTFC director Mark Desvaux said starting at 11:00 a.m., the public is invited to take a few laps, check out demonstrations by local sports clubs, and find out what the buzz is about around the new track.

“We just want to say a huge, huge thank you to everyone who supported us getting to this point. A lot of people don’t realize this, but this was first put on the agenda in 1998, and we’ve been working so hard for the last 27-28 years to get this track built.”

The celebration runs until 2 p.m., and along with live entertainment like a DJ, a 50/50 draw, and other activities for the whole family, including a 100 metre ‘T-Rax’ showdown race, featuring runners in inflatable T. Rex costumes.

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Two Olympic champions will also be there.

Paralympic gold medalist Michelle Stilwell and multi-Olympic-medalist high-jumper Michael Mason will be special guests, with Mason having a very personal connection to track and field in Oceanside.

“He (Michael) tried high jump for the first ever time as part of the track and field club at the Ballenas school, where the new track is. He’ll be coming back to the place where it all started for him. We’re going to be delighted to welcome him back, and I’m sure it’ll be quite the moving and nostalgic event for him.”

Desvaux said they’re also thrilled other community groups can now use the track to train or hold events, such as the local Special Olympic team members.

The new track is “completely inclusive”, according to Desvaux, with accessible ramps in place allowing anyone to participate.

“That, for me, is one of the biggest wins for all of us because the old track wasn’t safe for anyone, but now the new track will be a legacy for many generations to come.”

He’s also hoping they can bring back the school district’s sports day in the spring, which Desvaux said hasn’t occurred in years due to the state of their old track.

More information can be found at their website, oceansidecommunitytrack.ca.

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by Jordan Davidson

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