LAWRENCE GULLERY
The finishing touches have been made on Hawke's Bay's newest all-weather athletics track, exciting those keen to be the first to run in its lanes.
At Percival Rd, Hastings, it has been finished ahead of time after eight months of construction.
It replaced the track at Hastings' Nelson Park, which was
demolished to make way for a retail centre.
A grandstand will be the next addition, built around the new athletics track, and when completed will mark the finish of stage one of the Hastings District Council's three-stage regional sports park.
Stage one, including the athletics track, grandstand and associated buildings, will cost $16.68m.
The council's announcement of the completion of the track drew high praise from Hastings Athletics chairman Allan Potts.
Mr Potts organises athletics for youth in Hastings district and said the new Hawke's Bay track surpassed expectations. ``Not only will the region be able to grow participation in athletics, but we'll also be able to host meets for New Zealand and the Oceania region,' he said.
``I've been down to the track many times and it is going to be top rate when the grandstand is put in.
``We've had some athletes train on it already and they were impressed.'
The all-weather track has been built to international standards, making it capable of holding events such as the Oceania Games.
``It looks really good, right up to date, top of the range, all the international markings are there, everything is at international level,' Mr Potts said.
The summer season would open on the track in early October and clubs from other regions were interested in the new development.
``Clubs from Auckland want to come and run on it, people around the country have seen photos of the track and those building new tracks want to come and look at this one,' Mr Potts said.
Athletics New Zealand chief executive, Scott Newman, said the track was of national significance.
``Without doubt the athletics venue, with its associated support facilities, will be the best provincial athletics facility in New Zealand,' he said.
``Potentially, it could prove to be the single best athletics facility in the country.'
