Singleton is hoping to unearth a future athletics champion following the unveiling of the town’s state-of-the-art $1.25 million sporting facility at Cook Park.
And, it’s well-placed to do so, too, after gaining the approval of five-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dan Repacholi, who officially opened the premises alongside Minister of the Hunter Yamin Catley, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Singleton mayor Sue Moore.
Delivered by the NSW Government, its federal counterpart’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program and Singleton Council, the building heralds a new era for the Singleton Track and Field Club.
“This is a big win for Singleton and shows what can be achieved when all levels of government, together with local community leaders, unite to support regional sport,” the pistol shooting Hunter MP said.
“These amenities at Cook Park are more than just a building.
“They’re a springboard for the next generation of athletes right here in the Hunter.
“Opening a facility of this quality in the same year as Australia’s success at the Paris Olympics reminds us how essential it is to create opportunities for young athletes to train and compete close to home.
“I’m sure it’ll inspire kids across the region to pursue their dreams.”
The building follows the opening of the long jump pit and includes inclusive and fully-accessible amenities, training room, canteen, bathrooms and equipment storage areas for the organisation.
“It’s a real game-changer for us,” Singleton Track and Field Club president Hilary Kennedy said.
“But, it is also an investment in the future of sport in Singleton and turns Cook Park into the precinct it should be… one that has the infrastructure to support high-performance sport.
“To have this facility open in an Olympic year means we can accommodate growth in our club membership, which gives us longevity and the chance to host regionally-significant events like the Hunter zone carnival, which can bring up to 2,000 kids and their families to Singleton for a weekend.
“Already, we know schools are also excited to be able to use this premises.
“We stage up to 10 carnivals for schools in our off-season and having this building available means the children have access to bathrooms, changing and canteen facilities and staff have access to power for recording results.”
The NSW Government chipped in with $393,720 for lighting, too.
“Sport and recreation are at the heart of a happy and connected community, which is why we’re proud to support this project,” Ms Catley said.
“This isn’t just an upgrade.
“It is the beginning of a healthier, more inclusive future in Singleton, where everyone can come together to enjoy sport, recreation and community spirit.
“We are enriching liveability across the Hunter, building a Singleton where the sports stars of tomorrow have a place to develop.”
Cr Moore was equally excited.
“Council worked in partnership with the Singleton Track and Field Club to develop the concept design following the completion of the masterplan,” she said.
“It’s fantastic both the Australian and the NSW governments partnered with us to make this facility a reality.
“This continues to build on Singleton’s growing reputation for excellent facilities with more than $10 million invested in upgrading, replacing and building sports infrastructure in 2023/2024.
“I know it’ll be put to good use by our up-and-coming track and field stars.”
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