Westerner Park recently received a lot of help to revitalize its outdoor track in preparation for the North American Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Races this summer at Westerner Days 2025.
McWilliam Corporation donated premium, freshly excavated sand from a nearby build site, and Marshall Construction Company mobilized its crew and equipment to haul the material to Westerner Park.
Westerner Park board director Jeremy Moore also contributed his own time and machinery to help grade the new surface.
“This contribution is a game changer for us,” said Dave Harvey, Westerner Exposition board director and emergency response co-ordinator for the Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Races, in a statement.
“The quality of this material is exactly what we needed to bring our track back to life. It’s going to make a noticeable difference for our racers this summer — improving performance and, more importantly, safety. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners who made this possible.”
So far, 91 large truckloads totalling 2,380 cubic yards of material, weighing around 3,094 metric tonnes, have been delivered. That's equivalent to more than 400 full-sized pickup trucks.
The material will be used to fully rejuvenate the track surface ahead of this year’s races, promising smoother rides, faster heats for both horses and drivers.
For Jim Marshall, owner and president of Marshall Construction, stepping in to help wasn’t just about logistics, but also community pride.
“We’re proud to roll up our sleeves and help out where we can,” Marshall said.
“Being a sponsor of the North American Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Races, it just makes sense. This event is part of the spirit of our community, and knowing that Marshall Construction is helping to make it even better this year. That’s something we take pride in.”
