The name Track Town is known all over the world; however, Eugene is most commonly associated with the name and less so, Springfield, even though it was always the intention that the concept of Track Town include the entire area. To build that inclusive Track Town community, we must directly target building the connection between Springfield and the sport of running. Pre's trail is one of the most visited and recognizable landmarks of our community; however, the extension of this trail into Springfield is minimal and with little up-keep. This problem creates a disconnect between the two towns and further distances Springfield from the running community and Track Town. Local runners of all skill-levels use the trail every day. World-class athletes, Olympians, and other visitors from all over the world run on this trail when they visit our community. By extending the trail further into Springfield, we create a tangible, visible symbol that identifies Springfield as a part of Track Town to all local and visiting persons in our community.

We will create a top quality bark trail connecting to Pre's Trail that runs into Springfield east of the I-5 Bridge. Ample space is available adjacent to the asphalt river path from I-5 to the D Street sidewalk. The current trail connector, through the Eastside Woodlands to the boat ramp, needs renovation. Constructing an additional 800 meter trail extension from the boat ramp will effectively add 1 mile of bark trail to the current Pre's Trail system

In keeping with the spirit of strengthening Springfield’s connection to the Track Town identity we believe it is important that the trail be named after a prominent figure in the Track and Field history, as well as, a person with a strong connection to Springfield Oregon. Bill Dellinger is such an individual. An Oregon native born in 1934, Bill lived in Springfield nearly his entire life, graduating from Springfield High School in 1952, residing in Springfield while attending and running for the University of Oregon, and continuing to live here to this day.

His accomplishments in the sport of track and field are numerous, including being a three time Olympian between 1956 and 1964, winning the bronze medal in the 5000m in the 1964 Olympics. He further set 3 American records in the 5000, 1500, and 2 mile distances as well as 2 world records in the 2 and 3 mile distances. He further contributed greatly to the sport in his 25 years of coaching in which he coached alongside Bill Bowerman for many years, lead the UO men’s team to 5 NCCA National Championships, and coached many Olympic runners to their own personal bests. He is recognized as one of the greatest long distance coaches in history and was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2001.

Beyond his contributions to the sport of running. Bill has contributed significantly to his community. He is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, He taught and coached at the Thurston High School for 6 years and at Lane community College for years before becoming the head coach at University of Oregon.

Bill Dellinger is an incredible icon in the sport of track and field and has contributed greatly to the success and advancement of the sport. He is further a long standing and giving community member of Springfield making him the perfect figure to be recognized by this new trail. It is for these reasons we’d like to name this new trail “Dellinger’s Trail.” We believe this will honor the significant contributions of Bill Dellinger and build a stronger connection to Springfield’s identity as an important part of  Track Town and the Running Capital of the World.