The starter’s gun has sounded, and work at the AC Robertson athletics track at Proclamation Park, Ringwood is off and running, with funding from Maroondah City Council’s Capital Works program of over $400,000.

“Work is starting on the southern bend of the existing track to shore up the subsidence that has occurred, then the existing surface will be milled and removed,” said Ward Councillor Alex Makin.

“A new state of the art polyurethane synthetic surface will then be applied to finish the track,” said Cr Makin. “The track will then be remarked to IAAF standards.”

“The new polyurethane surface is similar to that laid earlier this year at the Croydon athletic track and will provide a higher quality facility for track users that is safer, has a longer life and has superior performance characteristics for all athletes,” said Cr Makin.

While extensively used by a variety of clubs ranging from young children in Little Athletics to older people in Masters Athletics, the track is also accessible, providing opportunities for wheelchair athletes to train and compete.

“The spray polyurethane surface can only be laid during the warmer weather as it requires a certain ambient temperature to allow it to cure,” said Cr Makin. “This unfortunately coincides with the athletics season but the Ringwood Little Athletics Club will be relocated to Croydon Town Park while the works are being completed.”

The resurfacing work is anticipated to be finished towards the end of March 2008.

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