Major upgrade completed on Centennial Park’s E.S Marks athletics field

Work has been completed on the $4.8 million redevelopment of Sydney’s historic E.S. Marks Athletics Field at Centennial Park delivering local juniors state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

The revitalisation project included an upgraded 400 metre synthetic track, upgraded high jump and long jump areas, new shade trees and planting, dedicated coach pick up and drop off zones, upgraded car parking and improved track and field lighting.  

Centennial Park is also now greener with more than 200 native gum trees having been planted as part of a major regeneration project to create a native urban forest.

NSW Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the two projects underlined the State Government’s commitment to give young people every opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle and create a city within a park.

“Our public spaces belong to everyone and it’s important that they not only give families a place to gather and play, but also support our native plants and animals to thrive,” Minister Stokes said.

“These two projects mean our youngest citizens will have a facility that can transform them into future sporting stars and a green oasis in the heart of the city to enjoy for many years to come.”

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said Centennial Parklands is a National Heritage Listed precious green space for Eastern Suburbs residents.

“I have spent almost all of my life living close by to the Parklands. I am so pleased that the pine trees planted throughout the 1960s that are reaching the end of their life are now finally being replaced by native gums,” Upton said.

“Centennial Parklands is home to more than 16,000 trees, cared for and nurtured by expert arborists. This new planting will help restore the Parkland’s natural biodiversity.”