The Sports Complex remains Byron’s shining jewel enjoyed by the many in the neighbourhood and beyond who come to play sports, attend events, and to enjoy the annual Canada Day celebrations funded and organized by the Optimist Club of Byron. If you are interested in supporting the Byron Optimist Sports Complex or becoming a member of the Optimist Club of Byron, please call 519-641-4663 or visit byronoptimist.ca.
Ribbon cutting on Opening Day, June 2, 1979.
volunteers from outside the club on the many tasks required to develop the Complex, including, where they could, the physical labour needed to construct the fields. Between 1976 and 1979, the community also rallied to organize and support various fundraising events. For example, the Complex committee joined forces with non-member volunteers in 1978 to conduct an extensive door-to-door campaign, raising over $41,000. Since the Complex opened, improvements were made, including adding more lights and building sheds to house equipment, and landscaping to improve the appearance of the grounds and provide much-needed shade. Many of these additions were possible because of an intriguing fundraising opportunity in 1991 where the Optimists raffled a “Dream Home” that Bill Willcox had constructed on Optimist Park Drive and then donated for the draw. Bill also donated another three acres north of the Complex that became the 350-car parking lot used today. The Byron Optimist Sports Complex continues operating with a committed volunteer Board of Directors that run the facility independently of the City of London, using contributions from rentals and annual fundraising activities to offset operating costs.
Aerial shot of the Complex, 2023
Issue 91 - June 2024 Page 13
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