Work commences on E.S. Marks Athletics Field’s $4.8 million upgrade

As part of the Moore Park Master Plan 2040 initiative, work has commenced on the $4.8 million redevelopment of Sydney’s historic E.S. Marks Athletics Field at Centennial Park.

The revitalisation project will include 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.  

The rejuvenation aims to ensure the 115-year-old venue continues to be an important community sporting precinct with NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes noting “E.S Marks Athletics Field has a special place in Sydney’s sporting history, as a training base for countless athletes, a home for community sport and carnivals and even briefly a National Soccer League home ground for Sydney City Hakoah.

“Now it welcomes more than 100,000 people annually for sports carnivals, athletics, football and much more. These works mean the park users will have one of the best facilities to play and train on and possibly become our next Cathy Freeman.

“The project is an example of what we can do when an integrated well-resourced agency like Greater Sydney Parklands manages our green spaces.”

According to SMH, Minister Stokes said the upgrade represented a “bit of unfinished business” and had been pushed by Greater Sydney Parklands, the ‘super agency’ the government set up last year to oversee Sydney’s best-known parklands including Centennial Park.

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive, Suellen Fitzgerald said the project delivers on the NSW Government’s Draft 50 Year Vision for Sydney’s Open Space and Parklands which commits to improving the city’s open space by creating better parks.

Fitzgerald added “we’re focused on creating better quality open space and parklands for the community to enjoy.

“Schools, community clubs and high-performance sporting teams can now look forward to a better E.S Marks Athletics Field and it’s a sign of what this new agency can achieve right across Sydney.”   

The upgrades will also involve partial demolition of the southern grandstand and improved safety access for vehicles off Boronia Street.  

The timing for construction of the works has been carefully considered to minimise the impacts to sporting groups, residents and the community.  

The venue will temporarily close to the public from 6th September until construction is completed in April 2022.  

For more information on Centennial Parklands visit www.centennialparklands.com.au  

Images: Minister Stokes and students from Kambala and Sydney Boys High School at the $4.8 million upgrade announcement of E.S Marks Athletics Field. Courtesy of Minister Stokes Facebook