Published on Thursday 15 July 2021
A summer of sport is beckoning for athletics enthusiasts and park runners of all ages following improvements to Kings Park Athletics Centre, which has seen a £452,000 investment by BCP Council.
The Centre, which is due to reopen to the general public for bookings from Monday 26 July, has seen a number of improvements including a brand new running track with additional works to the ground under the track, new pathways providing better accessibility for all users, enhancements to the long jump area and modern LED lighting which help with the council’s commitment to make its operations carbon neutral by 2030.
Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Leisure, BCP Council commented:
"I’m delighted these enhancements are now complete and Kings Park Athletics Centre can open up once again. This facility is an important community asset with thousands of schoolchildren using this venue every year, as well as being the home of the Bournemouth Athletics Club, so I’m looking forward to welcoming them all back to use this enhanced facility.
"We’re want to helping people lead active and healthy lifestyles, and the reopening of this facility reinforces this commitment."
To celebrate the reopening, Bournemouth Athletic Club are holding a free family open day on Saturday 24 July with a number of activities taking place including coaching demonstrations, a schools 3K fun run and a wheelchair athletes demonstration. Refreshments and a BBQ will be available, being operated on site by Parks Cafés. It is hoped that the day will start with the first parkrun in over a year commencing from the Athletics Centre, following the government’s confirmation that England will move into Stage Four on 19 July.
Tim Hughes, Vice Chair of Bournemouth Athletic Club commented:
"We’re delighted with the improvements that have been made at Kings Park Athletics Centre. Our members can’t wait to get back on the track and start using the world-class facilities to enable them to build on their fitness levels and compete across the country.
"This family open day is a celebration of athletics. People can come down to see the improvements that have been made, get involved in an event, enjoy a BBQ and watch some competitive athletes in action."
For further information on the open day, please visit Bournemouth Athletic Club's website.