Community support for upgrades to popular Athletics Precinct
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The Les O'Brien Athletics Precinct in East Albury is a popular location for a variety of sporting user groups, enjoyed by over 25,000 people each year including hosting more than 50 school and regional athletics carnivals.
Following the major reconstruction of the athletics track in 2015, the precinct now has an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Class II certification - which is the highest classification that can be obtained for a single track facility.
The Les O'Brien Athletics Precinct Advisory Committee identified a number of upgrades which were included in a Draft Master Plan that went on public exhibition for community feedback in late 2022.
Key priorities highlighted in the plan included:
Additional shade structures along the western bankNew accessible amenities buildingBench seating and picnic tablesConnecting pathwaysAdditional storagePerimeter fence around the synthetic track surfaceLightingSealed entrance roadGardens beds and additional landscapingA new kiosk facility at a location closer to the terraced seating has also been identified in the Master Plan. This is a longer-term vision with the exact location for the new kiosk still to be determined.
There are also plans being developed with Hockey Albury Wodonga for a major upgrade of the buildings that sit between the Athletics Precinct and Hockey Complex, which will include new change rooms that will be accessible from Athletics Precinct for major events.
Based on community feedback, the Master Plan was amended to include an extension of synthetic areas for ease of access and movement around the track, in particular around the marshalling area and the shade structure closest to the storage sheds, as well as provisions for water filling stations to located on the new amenities building.
AlburyCity Mayor Kylie King said now that there is an endorsed Master Plan in place, Council and user groups can begin planning and leveraging external funding opportunities.
"These upgrades will improve the overall experience of using the precinct for both athletes and spectators, which will hopefully attract more aspiring athletes and increase participation in the region," Mayor King said.
The Les O'Brien Athletics Precinct Master Plan can be viewed on the AlburyCity website.