In July 2023, the Imbler Track and Foundation presented a visionary plan for a cutting-edge composite track and associated equipment. This initiative aimed to serve both students and the local community. Fast forward to December 2024, and this plan is on the verge of realization. As of now, the track is fully constructed and is already in use by Imbler students. Groundbreaking took place in August of this year, and the track is also open for community usage.

Monumental Support and Grants

The attainment of this significant milestone has not dampened the overwhelming support for the track project. According to Ian Gordon, Chairman of the Imbler Track Committee, the Imbler Track Foundation has received remarkable financial support. Two $100,000 grants came from the Oregon Community Foundation and the Maybel Clark McDonald Foundation respectively. Additionally, two $25,000 grants were secured from U.S. Bank and the Randall Family Foundation. An individual donor from Portland contributed $45,000. This generous support was capped off by $8,621 raised during the recent Halloween Run-A-Thon. This influx of funds has put the committee in a strong position to cover the finishing touches and necessary supporting equipment for the project.

Paying for the Finishing Touches

On December 2, the Imbler Education Foundation board approved the remaining payments for the track surface, amounting to a significant sum. They also allocated $125,000 towards track and field equipment. This leaves a remaining budget of $200,000, which will be used to enhance the track facilities further. This includes the construction of new track-side bleachers, a proper walkway from the parking area to the track, new timing equipment, and a dedicated storage building for track equipment. The walkway is a new addition that was considered after the initial design was finalized. As Ian explained: "We recognized the importance of having a paved and lighted walkway to facilitate easy access from the parking lot to the bleachers. Our goal is to make the track and its facilities accessible to everyone in the community."

Finalizing Field Event Areas

Some work is still in progress on the field event areas. The final step involves installing new equipment. Despite this, with the track itself completed and the remaining work nearing completion, Imbler is all set to host its first track meet after construction on Saturday, May 10, 2025. According to Ian, this event will serve as a test run and a grand opening for the new track and facilities. Around six teams are expected to participate.

Continued Donations and Community Involvement

Continued donations and support are highly encouraged. Additional information about the project and options to donate can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sjCWtAgBje3KReFjL6Z8ZghfilKb1pvHh2nWWWo_bDU/edit?tab=t.0. Reflecting on the support received so far, Ian shared with the Elkhorn Media Group: "It's truly remarkable. The fact that we have received so much support from outside Union County has been a great boost. We have a strong foundation of support within Union County, which has piqued the interest of people outside and encouraged them to contribute." Apart from financial support, Ian emphasized that the foundation hopes the community will make use of the new track for their fitness activities and come out to support the Imbler students during their first home meet on May 10.