As many of our members are already aware, our track has been earmark by Knox Council for a significant upgrade during this coming season.
The Executive Committee members have been involved in discussions and meetings with Council and the Knox Board of Management to ensure that the facility has all the elements that we need to continue to run our successful athletics program.
At this stage the final details of the project are being worked on by Council, the Board of Management, and the recently appointed Project Managers. This does mean that the Centre needs to plan a season around the proposed works.
Council has advised that the works are planned to start later this year. While this is not ideal for our season it does enable the proposed works to be completed prior to the Track and Field Season 2023/24.
We will be making further announcements in the coming weeks and months on the new design of the track and some of the new exciting features once the finalised drawings have been produced.
FAQ’s
Why is the season starting early?
Council has advised that the work is currently scheduled to start later this year. So to ensure that the majority of the season is completed at Knox before the centre moves to another track for the remainder of the season, the decision was made to bring the start of the season forward 3 weeks from our usual start date.
But we have started in November recently?
With covid resctictions in place for community sport it meant for the past two seasons we have had to start in November. Prior to covid our season started on the last weekend of the September school holidays. So our season is starting 3 weeks earlier than normal.
Can I register for summer Track and Field?
We will advise everyone, once the registration portal is open. This may mean that there is only a short time to register before the season start. LAVic have advised that the portal will open late August. We will advise everyone as soon as the portal is open.
Should I still join this season?
In short……Yes! – We will ensure that the majority of our season is at the Knox track and if we do have to move to another venue to complete our season we will ensure that we will be able to conduct our competition with as little disruption as possible.
Can I still trial/tryout ?
With the season starting early there wont be a “try out” day as in past seasons.
If you are new to little aths, you can still trial on the upcoming competition days, however you will need to register as trialling athlete via the LAVic website before attending. New athletes can currently register their interest here https://lavic.com.au/news/click-here-to-express-your-interest-in-season-22-23-35117/
Whats being done to the track?
Along with the track , we have been advised that there are some other important upgrades such as drainage, lights, and the infield areas. This work is still being finalised and we will have further announcements regarding the proposed works soon.
Where are we going to compete once the track closes?
The executive committee is in discussions with other centres to use their facilities for our competition. We are planning on running separately to those centres so we are looking at alternatives such as competing on Sunday afternoons. The Executive Committee will make further announcements during the season once those agreements are in place.
Where are training squads going to train once the track closes?
Similar to the question above, we are currently negotiating with various track venues for our training squads to continue training. This does mean that training times and locations may vary from squad to squad. Once the agreements are in place coaches will be able to advise their athletes and these changes will be communicated with our members.
We do ask that people are patient and consider the long term goals of an upgraded track. And while we are working towards a much improved facility for our athletes there will be challenges along the way.
We are looking forward to everyone joining us for what is going to be an exciting season.
For further updates please follow us on Facebook and our other social media and keep an eye on our website.
