Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC) Barden Park Athletics Centre has reopened following the resurfacing of the synthetic running track, thanks to funding from the NSW Government.
The synthetic surface must be replaced every 10 years to be accredited through the International Association of Athletics Federations and to be able to hold major athletics events.
The process involves grinding the surface back, laying the new synthetic topcoat and then reinstating the line marking. The project did incur a delay due to heavy rainfall during the process of the resurfacing.
“Renewal and maintenance of Council’s sporting facilities and grounds such as Barden Park is a key priority for Council. Being able to undertake this work with external funds is a real positive for our community and will assist with major event attraction in the future,” Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said.
“Barden Park is a well-used facility both locally through school athletics carnivals, club meets and training sessions as well as by a number of major regional and state athletics titles.”
“Already for the upcoming winter season Barden Park has 31 school athletics carnivals booked in as well as three days of field events. The carnivals have commenced since the resurfacing was completed,” Clr Dickerson said.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the synthetic track upgrades will be a great asset for the community.
“The track upgrades will ensure Barden Park Athletics Centre can host national, state, regional and school competitions for years to come,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The NSW Government is committed to investment in local infrastructure upgrades that boost community wellbeing and communities in regional NSW.”
The total investment of the resurfacing works at Barden Park was $1,236,496 and was completed by a specialist contractor. The upgrades received $1,060,000 in funding from the NSW Government.
Since opening the facility in 2014, Dubbo has hosted several major athletics events including the NSW Little Athletics State Multi event and the Athletics NSW Country Championships, all of which provide a major boost to the local economy.
Barden Park Athletics Centre is open every day from 6am – 6pm during the winter months and 6am – 8pm during the daylight savings period.
For information about availability or to book the facility, visit www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au