Inclement weather has delayed the completion of the new Oceanside Community Track at Ballenas Secondary School.
"Everything has gone amazing and according to plan; however, due to the fall rain, the final coating of rubber has been delayed until the spring," said Rudy Terpstra, chair of the Qualicum School District Track Advisory Committee.
The new track will feature a six-lane rubberized surface, replacing the old cinder track.
Excavating by Leighton Construction was completed in the fall as scheduled including the addition of concrete blocking in the new bank, 360-degree inner and outer curb and drainage, as well as playing field upgrade.
Paving was completed by Haylock while Marathon Surfaces was able to apply the first and second layers of rubber surfacing. The rain had kept the final top surface from be added which Terpstra said will be done until the weather is better.
The playing field in the middle of the track, that is used for a myriad of sports by the school district and community, now has a new irrigation system installed. The playing field will also be seeded in early March.
"Thanks go out to the district maintenance team under the direction of Phil Munro, Koers Engineering and the Marathon Surfaces team for donating time and labour allowing us to provide the best quality rubber surface for the base price," said Terpstra. "Also, special thanks to Mark Desvaux from Oceanside Track and Field for finding accommodation and food from local businesses for the Marathon Surfaces team, along with Dan Smith from the Ballenas Whalers Football Program for assisting with community donations such as security and logistics. We anticipate an opening ceremony in the spring."
