The $122,000 long jump project at James Cook Park, Singleton has bounded forward with construction beginning last week.
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The project, expected to be completed in time for athletes to use this season, includes a three lane, 60-metre track and nine-metre pit.
Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Singleton Council's Director Infrastructure and Planning said the works formed stage one of the club's masterplan for the new track and field facility, positioning James Cook Park as the preeminent athletics sporting location in the Upper Hunter.
Funded by Singleton Sports Council's dollar-for-dollar sport infrastructure grant, Singleton Track and Field Club and a $50,000 donation through Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia's Tokyo 2020 Olympics program, athletes are expected to be using the new facility this coming season.
"The $122,000 long jump project includes a three lane, 60 metre track and nine metre pit, meeting International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) standards, plus a new storage facility.
Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Singleton Council's Director Infrastructure and Planning said the works formed stage one of the club's masterplan for the new track and field facility, positioning James Cook Park as the preeminent athletics sporting location in the Upper Hunter.
"Singleton's Rose Point and James Cook parks are unique in that they play host to so many sports including netball, AFL, cricket and junior rugby league, connected by the award-winning Rose Point Park all abilities playground, and the addition of athletics facilities will further cement this precinct as a mecca for recreation," he said.
"That being said, we are playing the long game when it comes to the new athletics centre. With a strategic vision and masterplan now in place and fantastic grant funding opportunities available to us, this will become a multi-million dollar facility to help develop future athletes not only in Singleton, but the wider Hunter Region and beyond."
Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr said Singleton Track and Field Club's move to James Cook Park would also correspond with the redevelopment of their current home, Alroy Oval.
Endorsed by Singleton Council earlier this year, the Masterplan for Alroy Oval outlines a range of upgrades including three full-sized football pitches with warm up area, a multiuse futsal/ basketball/netball court, upgraded amenities building and car park, new playground, shelters and footpaths.
"Council has made a considerable investment in recreation facilities in this past few years, and we're excited to continue to deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure to help support the physical and social benefits of organised sport and recreation, encourage high level competitions and events to come to Singleton, and develop future sporting stars."
To view the Cook Park, Rose Point Park and Alroy Oval masterplans, visit: https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/326/Publications-Plans-and-Strategies
