On Tuesday, July 8, the District of West Vancouver celebrated the official opening of the Harry Jerome Oval at West Vancouver Place for Sport.
Mayor and Council were joined by special guests including Councillor Deborah Baker of Squamish Nation, West Vancouver Schools Board Trustees, including Chair Nicole Brown, the Place for Sport Fundraising Committee, and Valerie Jerome — sister of the late Harry Jerome — to mark the occasion.
Following remarks, the ribbon was cut, and attendees took part in an inaugural lap around the brand-new track.
Harry Jerome Oval
The rubberized track surface was built to World Athletics standards using a "sandwich system" which provides excellent shock absorption, reduces the risk of training-related injury, enhances performance, and ensures the track’s long-term durability.
This facility will serve students, athletes, local clubs, and the wider community – providing a safe, high-quality space to train, complete, and be physically active.
In February 2021, West Vancouver Schools, in partnership with the District of West Vancouver, announced that the running track will be named in honour of Harry Jerome, one of Canada’s most celebrated track and field athletes. A video of the official naming announcement can be viewed here:
Construction of the Place for Sport project was made possible through contributions by the Growing Communities Fund, generously provided by the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the District of West Vancouver, West Vancouver Schools, generous private donations, and the dedicated fundraising efforts of the Place for Sport Fundraising Committee.