As the summer drew to a close at the McKenzie Community Track and Field, a dedicated work crew gathered for one final task before the Labor Day Community Event.
Among them were McKenzie High School students Grace Weiss and Myra Dion, who had spent their summer enjoying the beautiful areas around the track. Joining them were Cliff and Connie Richardson, the Weiss family, and Sylvia Dion—all active members of the McKenzie Community Track and Field (MCTF) Board.
The track had been the heart of the community throughout the summer, hosting the McKenzie River Trail Run, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinders ( Cycling Event) and even serving as a temporary home for an Interagency Fire Camp during the wildfires that threatened the area. These events have been a key part of the vibrancy of the community and there were a few things needing to be addressed before the upcoming celebration.
Grace and Myra, having grown up in the community, felt a deep connection to the track. They had trained on it, competed on it, and now, they were giving back by helping to prepare it for the event that would bring everyone together one last time before fall. They worked alongside the Richardsons, the Weiss family, and Sylvia Dion, all of whom had been instrumental in the track's development and maintenance over the years.
As the group cleared branches and tidied up the grounds, they shared stories of the summer's events. Cliff and Connie, who had been involved with the track and the community for years , talked about the challenges and triumphs of hosting the fire camp. Sylvia, who had coordinated many of the volunteer efforts and as one of the newest Board Members expressed her pride in how the community had come together during such a difficult time.
By the time the last branch was cleared, the track was ready for the Labor Day Community Event. The work crew stood back, admiring their efforts and reflecting on what the track had come to symbolize for the community. It was more than just a place for sports; it was a gathering spot, a place where people came together in times of joy and need, and a testament to the power of community spirit.
As Grace and Myra left the track that evening, they did so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that they had played a part in something bigger than themselves. The McKenzie Community Track and Field was ready for its next chapter, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers who understood the true meaning of community.
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