Project 56 Still Working Hard

It has been brought to my attention that there are many questions in our community about Project 56 and what our goals and expectations are. Our group is very excited about the progress that we are making in achieving our dream of having an all-weather track constructed and an irrigation system put in at the football field.

This group was established in 2005 with members of the Class of 1956. They returned to their alma mater and were quite amazed that the old cinder track that they used 50 years earlier was still in use. These individuals had very successful careers as athletes in Ritzville. They credited their time at Ritzville High School and in the Bronco sports program for their successful lives in their chosen professions. They felt the need to give back so they organized a core group that would eventually be known as Project 56.

The original plan was to put an all-weather track in. The idea took off like wild fire and soon the simple project had blown up into a 4.5 million dollar track renovation, baseball/softball complex. Project 56 was in motion with a $25,000 memorial in honor of Harold Undeberg, who was a long time Bronco fan. Harold had been a starter at meets for over 25 years when he succumbed to cancer. It was his dream to have an all-weather track put in at Ritzville. John Wellsandt donated 17 acres of farm ground to the Ritzville School District for a baseball/softball complex.

Then the economy imploded. Grant money dried up. People became more conservative with their money and Project 56 lost momentum. Donations slowed down and the group was forced to revamp their original plan.

The group revamped. We reached out to other entities for help. A visit to Newport was the beginning of a new chapter. It was at this point that we got Adams County to join in with our plan. A comprehensive plan was established with the county in the lead. This plan gives credibility to our plan and more eligible for grants.

We have thrown away the 4.5 million dollar plan and come up with something much more reasonable and attainable. With the help of Adams County and volunteer work, the cost for an all-weather track is now at $250,000 that includes all the prep work, fencing and the all-weather track. As of November 17, 2011, there was $79,924.35 in our account. That means we need $170,000 to complete the track.

Project 56 has established several ways in which you can help this dream come true:

•Wheat donations are accepted at the Ritzville Warehouse or the Lind Union Elevator. 300 bushels of wheat goes a long way for our group.

• Buy a Meter has been established. For $100.00, your name will be displayed at the track on the Bronco Honor Wall.

• Memorials are accepted in honor of your loved one.

• Monetary donations are also accepted.

If you can’t give financially, we can always use another team member and would love your help!

We are also working on several grants and asking the corporations in our town to help us out! Project 56 will also be doing money-makers over the next several months so please support our cause and be a part of this adventure.

Our goal is to have all the money in place so that construction can begin as soon as the last track meet is over in the spring of 2012.

I know we can do this. Lind, Ritzville and Sprague have always risen to the occasion. Our communities have done so many amazing things.

This project may be the shot in the arm that we need right now. Imagine our invitational track meets being held in Ritzville again instead of Spokane. 400+ students with their parents and fans in our businesses would be a huge economic impact! Let’s show our students and athletes that we care. Let’s be the best again!

So as you can tell, Project 56 is still alive and moving forward. Please join us in our efforts!

Lori Olson, Ritzville