Penrith’s first all-weather athletics precinct officially open

Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Cambridge Park’s Harold Corr Oval has been officially opened as a high-quality athletics precinct featuring an all-weather synthetic track and field facilities following the completion of a $6.9 million upgrade.

The 400-metre, 8 lane synthetic athletics track is World Athletics certified as a Class 2 facility which meets the stringent requirements outlined by the governing body’s competition rules. The synthetic field facilities include long jump, triple jump, high jump, steeplechase, pole vault, hammer throw, discus, shot put and javelin. 

Equipment storage, LED floodlighting, and a 65-space car park, including three accessible car spaces, were also installed as part of the upgrade. 

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the precinct is set to become a premier location for local, zone, regional, and state athletics competitions, events, and training. 

“The synthetic track and field facilities can be used year-round and offers significantly improved capacity, durability and drainage compared to the old oval facilities,” Cr Hitchen said. 

“This new facility will support the City’s growing population and demand for sport and recreation opportunities and ensures that athletics groups and residents have access to a quality facility right on their doorstep.”  

“Thank you to the NSW and Australian Governments for their ongoing support to help us deliver the sport and recreation infrastructure we need for our growing community,” Cr Hitchen said.  

The Harold Corr Oval upgrade was funded with contributions from Council ($4.5 million) and the NSW Government through the Penrith Sporting Infrastructure Project ($2 million). The Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program also contributed funding for the car park component of the project. 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM, said the upgrade has transformed the precinct into a world-class athletics hub. 

“The upgrade of Harold Corr Oval is a significant milestone for the Penrith community. The all-weather track and enhanced facilities will prove beneficial to many sporting and school groups. This project affirms the NSW Government’s commitment to support Penrith City Council in the delivery of high-quality upgrades,” Cr McKeown said. 

“I'm proud to see Penrith equipped to meet the growing need for sports and recreation facilities of this calibre right in our own backyard.”  

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said, “It’s wonderful to see Cambridge Park getting its fair share of investment to promote an active lifestyle to our Lindsay Community.”    

“The finalisation of this project will welcome a certified Class 2 athletic track and field facilities that will only bring more life to our growing community. I am thrilled to finally see the full fruition of this project at Harold Corr Oval and proud to have secured Federal funding for the new 65 space car park to ensure our community has easy access to this fantastic venue."  

This project was identified as part of Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy.  

Find out more at penrith.city/spros

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 19 September 2023.