Velodrome roofing - the debate rages on. Photo / file
Velodrome roofing - the debate rages on. Photo / file
Velodrome 'out of sight, out of mind'
I endorse the views of Marty Hewson in his letter of March 1.
When construction of the velodrome was undertaken in 1995, it was regarded as an innovative project for Whanganui and an additional attraction for the city, being adjacent to the CooksGardens athletic track and so close to the city centre. It was built to international standards and was always intended to be covered.
I was at Cooks Gardens recently on a beautiful day. The athletics track looked stunning alongside the unroofed cycling track, which remains "out of sight, out of mind". This year has started with a busy calendar of events that has attracted many visitors to the city and the atmosphere in the community is positive. I cannot believe our district council is allowing such an exciting project, which would greatly benefit our wider community in so many ways, to slide away.
Regional Velodrome Development Trust members Leigh Grant (left) and Bob Smith have worked long and hard on plans for the velodrome roof. Photo / file
Ron Cheatley, in his letter of November 1, 2017, outlined the many uses such a facility would cater for aside from the wide range of cycling activities for riders from throughout the lower North Island. Just as the Cambridge facility already offers, it could offer a mix of events and promotions throughout the year as an events centre, while also catering for ACC and physio rehab, programmes for disabled, elderly, children and schools.
This is not the first time Whanganui has let negativity get in the way. I agree with Marty Hewson: "The closure of the velodrome is indeed a tragic result for our city."
You can rest assured, if Whanganui doesn't move ahead and roof the track to the highest standard possible, another centre in the lower North Island will very quickly step up to the mark and that community will enjoy the many benefits of a covered velodrome that Whanganui should have had. MARGARET CAMPION Whanganui
Must push for rail photo
I hope Weston Kirton applied for and was granted a Permit to Enter from KiwiRail for the photo in Main trunk towns ''Must push for rail'' (
