Work on the community athletics hub at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School in Oakdale is nearing completion, with the facility expected to be fully open by spring 2021.
The new synthetic athletics track will be the first of its kind in Caerphilly County Borough and will allow residents to train all year round on the durable surface.
As well as featuring a six-lane, 300 metre floodlit running track – the facility will also include additional area for off field athletic events such as long jump, high jump, shotput and javelin. The area inside of the track will remain grassed to allow for dual use by the school for various sporting activities and events. This facility has been 100% funded by the Welsh Government Community Hub grant.
Cllr Ross Whiting, the Cabinet Member for Learning and Achievement commented:
“The new facility will provide residents of Caerphilly with an indispensable facility that both current and future generations can utilise to either remain active or to further their development as aspiring athletes.
“This facility is an important addition to our sports facilities, and will be integral to providing the resources for the next generation of athletic stars to be able to develop here within Caerphilly County Borough.”
The new facility is set to be fully operational in spring 2021, once the synthetic surface has been laid. The surface requires dry weather in order to be laid. In the meantime, Rhymney Valley Athletics Club will be utilising the current tarmacked areas during the winter months.
