"The existing track for decades has, has provided a facility that introduced youngsters and youth to the sport of Track and Field. Many have gone on to represent Zone 6 (Vancouver Island/Central Coast) in the BC Summer Games, the province of BC at Canadian Track and Field Championships and Canada Summer Games and for some Canada at Olympic, Commonwealth and Pan American games and World Athletic Championships. The success of these athletes can be traced back to the many hours they spent training and competing at the Ballenas Track and Field Facility and the volunteer commitment of many Coaches and Officials.

The existing track needs upgrading and redevelopment to provide a safe and secure facility to meet the current and emerging needs of the individuals and communities it serves. An upgraded synthetic surfaced Track Facility will provide for multiple uses including School Physical Education, Fitness and Track and Field programs, Track and Field Club training and competitions, Wheelchair and Para Ambulatory Track programs, Community Walking, Fitness Recreational and Rehabilitation programs. A gathering place for life long sport and physical activity."

"The new track will benefit the whole community. The students, the athletes, the seniors, the moms pushing strollers. It will be a facility for everyBODY all year round, no matter what their level of ability. It will also provide safe accessible training facility for athletes to reach their full potential as well as a place to gather and create healthy active lifestyles for people of all ages."

"We are fortunate in Oceanside to have great coaches that helped us reach high levels in track and field. Many of us have gone on to compete at the university level and represent Canada on the world stage. Having a proper track will encourage more participation in youth track and field, fostering friendships, connections, and opportunities. The track can also serve as a safe, soft surface for the community."

"A new community track would make the world of a difference at Ballenas for students in the Quest Program and athletes on our Ballenas Special Olympics teams. The current condition of the track is very uneven and not accessible for all students. A new track would mean that ALL students can participate in physical activity to develop physical literacy, reduce anxiety using physically activity and improve school culture by having the opportunity to work with peers in an inclusive environment. Our Special Olympics track athletes train and compete every year against other athletes from Central Vancouver Island. Like all sports programs, our Special O athletes want to train and compete to the best of their abilities and deserve the opportunity to train on a track that is safe and allows them to excel."

"I wholeheartedly support the new track. It would be a huge benefit for all sports, the students and the entire Oceanside community. The track at Ballenas is where my career in Track and Field started. I remember with fond memories having my first high jump practice there which started my journey to the Olympics."

"A community track will offer all track athletes the game changing opportunity to train at home , on a surface compatible with track surfaces they must compete on. It will encourage coaches and athletes to stay and train in our community and cultivate track opportunities for athletes into the future.”

"The Oceanside Running Club Association is very excited to support the new community track—a huge value to our local running group and community. It will allow us to do specific training for competitions as well as for fitness and fun. Including the athletes in our learn to run program, we consist of a 200+ members ages 18-86. O.R.C.A does not use the existing track due to its unstable surface. A new surface will benefit athletes with a flat measured distance for training, as well as for anyone coming back from an injury. It would also allow us to stay in our community and not have to travel."

"A new track would be incredible for Parksville. Not only would it encourage an active lifestyle for the community, but it would encourage young kids to join an already well established track and field scene. Training there when I was younger was a formative experience that allowed me to excel in the sport. With an actual track it can offer a more positive experience for kids that will continue for years."

"As long time volunteer coaches with Oceanside Track and Field, Mid Island Distance, and the Ballenas and Kwalikum Secondary School teams, we are proud supporters of a new Oceanside Community Track. We have had the privilege to coach hundreds of young eager athletes, some going on to become elite runners, but most proud to participate, achieve personal bests, and be healthy and confident. A new track will provide a safe gathering place, not just for youth, but for people of all ages, and abilities, to wheel, walk and run. Healthy community members, healthy community! Thank you for your support!"

"I was able to compete at the Division 1 NCAA level for triple jump, long jump and 400m, and Oceanside track and field was where it all started. Oceanside track and field brings back so many wonderful memories. It brought all ages and athletic capabilities together. It allowed kids from all backgrounds to be part of a community that fostered confidence and allowed them to explore where their talent may lie whether it be jumping, running, throwing, or speed walking! As my competition level increased, I started to travel 45 minutes one way to use the Nanaimo track in order to train properly. A new track surface would be a tremendous improvement for this community and open even more opportunities for the local youth. I can't believe it has been over 25 years since I competed there with no improvements to the space. I can only imagine the talent this community could nurture with a proper facility."

“ As an athlete growing up in Parksville I spent many hours running on the Ballenas track. The track was deteriorating during my early training and over the years has become unsafe and unusable for the community. As I progressed as a runner, I would choose to train on the flat and safe Nanaimo track. A new track would welcome community members of all ages to stay healthy and active while also providing athletes the opportunity to achieve their best.”

"As a Physiotherapy clinic, we are big supporters of getting outside and being active. We encourage many of our patients to get out for a walk, run, or jog depending on their age and injuries. Having an up-to-date facility in the Oceanside would be a huge asset—allowing for an even and safe surface to train and rehabilitate on. Oceanside Physiotherapy and Work Conditioning Centre is in full support of an upgraded facility to the current Ballenas Track."