Upward Bound Camp invites interested community members to participate in planning a Field of Dreams for all to enjoy.
“We are gathering local folks to discuss the impact of having a track and field available to the community, how it could be utilized, and what it will look like,” said Diane Turnbull, UBC executive director. “As part of the rebuild of UBC at the Old Gates School, post fires, we are planning to open our facilities to the local communities of Gates, Mill City and beyond.”
The Old Gates School Track and Field of Dreams project, alongside the camp rebuild and the restoration of the Old Gates Schoolhouse, are essential pieces in UBC’s community engagement strategy, Turnbull said.
“Our master plan includes a splash pad and a new gymnasium, both of which would be open to community members during weekends in the summer as well as in the offseason,” she said.
In February, Turnbull said UBC contracted with Michael Bergmann, former Nike employee and founder of IncubatorU Consulting. Bergmann is spearheading track and field projects in rural areas.
“My brother, Dave Turnbull, is the track coach at Summit High School in Bend, and he heard about Michael’s work building a track in Maupin,” she said. “Dave contacted Michael about our track here at the school/camp and now it is happening!”
Over the course of his 30-plus years at Nike, Bergmann spends his time turning challenges into opportunities. He is dedicated to impacting organizations and communities by helping them to “transform their teams and create exponential success,” according to online information.
Founded in 2014, IncubatorU values freedom, diversity, innovation, empowerment, education, belonging and sustainability.
As well as the new track, UBC’s vision for the future includes providing a place to gather, build community, celebrate, attract tourism engagement, and host community programming and events.
A planning session for the Field of Dreams part of the restoration project will be held 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 14 at UBC, 40151 Gates School Road in Gates. A working lunch will be included.
To participate or for more information, call 503-897-2447 or contact Turnbull at [email protected].
