New £500,000 athletics track opens

The new track at Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium has a life expectancy of 30 years

A new athletics track has opened after a £500,000 investment from a local council.

The new track at Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium in Reading, funded by Reading Borough Council and its leisure partner, GLL, has a life expectancy of 30 years.

Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward said the new track would support both grassroots and competitive sport.

The first major event to take place on the new track will be the Festival of Inclusivity on Saturday.

The new track has a smoother and flatter finish, as well as improved drainage

The entire track has been replaced from its stone foundation upwards, the council said.

It has improved drainage, a smoother and flatter finish, consistent rebound and impact absorbance.

It also features Polytan SMART technology, which integrates precision timing gates directly into the track surface, allowing athletes to monitor performance in real time.

The council said the track was constructed from environmentally-friendly materials.

Ms Barnett-Ward said the track was a "fantastic addition" to Reading's leisure offering.

"This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring every resident can enjoy high-quality, accessible leisure facilities," she said.

"The new track will support both grassroots and competitive sport, and I'm thrilled that its first major event will be one that celebrates inclusivity and community spirit."