DUBBO City Council is inviting all residents to a public open day on Saturday 30 August 2014 to view the construction progress of the Barden Park Regional Centre of Excellence for Athletics.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Australian Government has provided nearly $3.5 million in funding for this innovative regional athletics centre.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to come and get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the construction of the grandstand, which will be finished in mid-September,” Mr Coulton said.

“The Barden Park Regional Centre of Excellence for Athletics Project had been identified as a priority in the Dubbo 2036 Community Strategic Plan.

“It is great news for Dubbo residents as well as residents from the surrounding areas that we will have an international-standard synthetic athletics track and a 500-seat grandstand from which we will be able to watch athletic competitions.”

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the construction of the grandstand and track is valued at $4.9 million and the complete Barden Park Regional Centre of Excellence for Athletics project is due for full completion in November 2014.

“Once completed, this will be a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Dubbo and a drawcard for sporting events across the state,” Mr Grant said.

Mayor of Dubbo Councillor Mathew Dickerson encouraged residents to attend the Open Day on Saturday August 30 between 11:00am and 1:30pm.

“This is an opportunity to inspect a great new facility for Dubbo and learn about what is required to build an internationally accredited athletics facility,” Councillor Dickerson said.

All residents interested in attending must book in for a tour by calling Council’s Customer Service Centre on 6801 4000, with tours scheduled to run every half hour throughout the open day. All visitors must wear enclosed shoes to participate.  Council will provide a hard hat and high visibility vest. 

The Barden Park Centre of Excellence for Athletics has been jointly funded by the Australian Government ($3.5 million), the NSW Government ($575,000) and the Dubbo City Council ($875,000).