The Little Athletics Centre at Riverstone Park has had a huge face lift thanks to a $1 million upgrade of the club’s facilities.
Blacktown City Council has completed major works to improve the Riverstone centre in time for the start of the club’s summer season.
Riverstone Park now boasts new lights, long jump pits, discus cages, shot-put pads and cricket wicket, as well as an upgraded athletics field with improved drainage.
Blacktown City Councillor Kevin Gillies said a new storage building and a third discus cage for junior children will soon be completed.
“The Riverstone Park lighting was not the best for night competition before and there were issues with flooding on the field,” Cr Gillies said.
“Now, it’s one of the best athletics fields in Blacktown City; when it rains, the water just disappears.
“All the facilities are just fabulous.”
Cr Gillies said the Riverstone Little A’s 2017/18 season started last Friday, September 8, and the club is on the lookout for more members to sign up.
“Parents have been driving past the club, seeing the building site and fences, and thinking the club is closed, which has unfortunately led to a drop in registrations,” he said.
“We want to let everyone know the club is up and running with wonderful new facilities.
“I encourage local residents to join our family friendly club.
“Not only is athletics a great way for kids to keep fit, but it’s also a positive social outlet for the whole family.”
Acting Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale said Riverstone Park was one of many sports fields and reserves Council is upgrading across Blacktown City.
“Blacktown prides itself on being an active and sporting city, which is why we are investing millions of dollars to improve sports fields, parks and playgrounds,” he said.
“This month alone, Council opened two new playgrounds, at Kings Langley and Parklea, and we are currently working on completing a $5 million international-standard soccer facility at Popendetta Park.
“Riverstone Park is the latest sporting facility upgrade, and as Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor I am thrilled Council was able to support the Riverstone Little Athletics Centre in delivering the high quality facilities we see today.”
The $1 million upgrade was funded by Council at a cost of $950,000 with the remainder provided by Cricket NSW, the NSW Government and the Riverstone Little Athletics Centre.
Ward 1 Councillors Moninder Singh and Chris Quilkey have also been involved in the finalising of the funding and in addressing the last stages of the upgrade program.
Construction work started in December 2015 and was completed last month in time for the 2017/18 athletics season, which continues until 9 March 2018.
For more information or to become a member of the Riverstone Little Athletics Club visit: riverstonelac.org.au.