Organizational Description
Our rural community has had a long-term interest in a track and field and soccer facility but space and resources were not available. In 2003 there was an opportunity to acquire 13 acres located 1/4 mile east of the McKenzie Schools and 1 mile west of the community of Blue River. The property includes filled and unfilled portions of the millpond of the old Blue River Veneer Mill. The School Board did not have the human and financial resources to tackle the project so community members assumed the project. The McKenzie Community Track and Field (MCTF) was founded in 2003 to address a specific set of community needs in the Upper McKenzie Valley. MCTF is classified as a non-profit 501 (c) (3). There are seven members on the Board of Directors and they also constitute the current volunteer staff. MCTF is partnered with a number of local non-profits and has been assisted greatly by many groups and individuals in the community.
Project Description
The overarching goal is to provide a recreational and park facility for our community and School. We are planning a "field of dreams" that would benefit life-long wellness, education and the economy in our rural community.
The project is organized into three major goals and six phases of construction (described in the timeline). The three goals are:
- Build a certified track and field facility for the community and School.
- Build two soccer fields for grades K-5 in the center of the T&F that are multipurpose.
- Develop the west four acres of wetlands into an accessible and educational site that serves as a model for wetlands at this elevation.
Need for the Project
- The McKenzie Schools do not have a T&F facility or soccer fields and the nearest facilities are 40 miles distant. A substantial number of students participate in T&F, cross-country and soccer and would benefit from a certified, safe facility. Practicing relay hand-offs on the edge of a highway is not really practicing safe track!
- We are a rural community located in a narrow river valley and adults need a safe setting for fitness activities. Young adults with children can watch their children while exercising and older adults (we have a substantial retirement population) will have a level and safe setting for wellness activities that often include physical rehabilitation.
- Wetlands are often discussed but seldom accessible. The accessible wetlands provides an outdoor science laboratory for the School and an educational and recreational opportunity for community members and tourists.
Beneficiaries
- Current and future students at the McKenzie Schools.
- The McKenzie School District since the facility is privately funded.
- Youth from neighboring schools participating in T&F events, soccer games or training camps. There is the possibility of offering college or adult training camps.
- Adults who wish to walk, jog or run on a safe and level surface. Parents with young children can exercise while observing their children. Summer residents and tourists who wish to use an attractive and safe setting for wellness activities.
- Businesses can benefit by advertising the facilities and from those who utilize them.
- Individuals and groups who wish to enjoy and learn about wetlands.
- Students/teachers can experience and learn about wetlands through scientific methods.
Timeline
Phase 1 Preliminary ( property, legal and environmental issues, clearing the site).
Phase 2 Initial construction of the T&F and soccer fields. The grading, rock bases, gravel and sand are all in place for the final construction of the T&F and soccer fields.
Phases 1-2 Completed! (2003-2005)
Phase 3 Completion of the T&F (2007). The current focus is the completion of the T&F that includes the final grading, asphalt, rubber surfacing and field events facilities.
Phase 4 Completion of soccer fields and concessions/restrooms/storage building (2007-2008) The sand base for the soccer fields and the utilities for the building are in place.
Phase 5 (2005-2008) Landscaping T&F with native plants and elimination of invasive plants. A landscape plan has been developed and 1000+ trees have been planted! Many invasive plants have been removed (blackberries, etc)
Phase 6 Enhancing the wetlands. Accomplishment: a kiosk now overlooks the wetlands.
A walking trail from the kiosk to the dike on the perimeter of the wetlands has been cleared, road fabric laid and woodchips placed on the trail. A walkway has been built so that the top of the dike surrounding the wetlands is accessible to students and others.
Budget
Total budget is $688,000. Phase 1 is completed ($259,270). Phase 2 is completed ($57,881). Phase 3 $185,000, Nike Grant of $50,000 has been obtained and additional foundation funding is being sought. Phase 4 ($144,909), partially completed but $107,000 is needed. Phase 5 ($21,000) is partially completed. Phase 6 ($20,000) is partially completed.
Community Support
MCTF has received over $430,000 in contributions from over 200 donors. We have had over 150 individuals and their equipment participating in workdays. Fundraising and participation amounts are conservative since many small contributions of materials and time are not included. We anticipate continuing community support.
Board of Directors & Project Leadership | 2007 Income Summary by year
