Community Rallies to Upgrade Multi-Use Facility

The Dallas High School football field became a muddy mess midway through each season, limiting its use by school teams and community groups. Now, with funding from OCF, along with other foundation and community support, the field is transformed with proper drainage and artificial turf. It’s ready for year-round use by school classes and teams, youth programs and community members of all ages.

The Dallas Boosters Club raised the needed $850,000 in just one year. “We looked for ways to involve all aspects of the community: the business community, private individuals and the foundations,” said Stephanie Earhart, club president. Local businesses pitched in with sponsorships, and citizens led fundraisers and a year-long bottle drop campaign.

“We fully expect to see more usage from the community as time goes on. Once the track is replaced, the facility will be fully available to community use,” said Earhart. “Seniors can use the track for exercise, and we’ll see a lot more kids’ programs using the field as well as the track.”

Dallas was the home of William Swindells Sr., a co-founder of Oregon Community Foundation. This project exemplifies the spirit of community engagement valued by OCF’s founders and still alive today.