The fundraising campaign to rebuild the track at Goderich District Collegiate Institute is over halfway to its goal.
Lucy Langis, GDCI principal, said the school has been raising funds since the start of last year to rejuvenate the historic track.
"The track has served the community very well but now needs significant upgrades," she said. "About 20 years ago, it was resurfaced but now requires a full-scale restoration due to safety concerns. The restoration and upgrades will include making this venue as accessible as possible and the total project will cost over $600,000."
The track will be shut down this spring due to those safety concerns. The school is hoping to have the full amount raised by then.
As a contingency plan, if GDCI can't reach its fundraising target, the track will be finished with a stone dust surface instead. But Langis said they're optimistic they can get there.
"Our fundraising efforts are over halfway to our goal, thanks to generous donations from individuals and community organizations," she said. "We've had planned fundraisers with locals businesses that have been a huge success. We've also applied for the Commonwell L.E.A.F. grant and we're looking forward to hear if we receive it."
Langis also sought to dispel some myths that were circulating about the project: noting that GDCI is not closing, the Town of Goderich is not purchasing the land from the Avon Maitland District School Board, and the track will move ahead one way or another.
People can donate by sending a cheque to the school made out to Avon Maitland District School Board with the notation GDCI Track project, or through the Canada Helps website.
If the school falls short of its goal, donors will have the option to have the donation returned or reassigned to another project.
More information is available on the GDCI website, or Facebook page.
