People of all abilities have improved access to Ipswich’s home of athletics, with the completion of a new pathway and carpark upgrades at Limestone Park.
Ipswich City Council Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the upgrades ensure track and field facilities at Bill Paterson Oval are accessible for athletes and their supporters with disabilities.
“Ipswich is enjoying a golden era of athletics, with Ipswich Little Athletics and Ipswich and District Athletics Club enjoying sky-high participation numbers – and this includes an increase of athletes with disabilities,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“The new footpath linking Limestone Park’s eastern carpark with the clubhouse at Bill Paterson Oval meets the required standards to provide access for all.
“The carpark has also been improved, with two parking spaces for people with disabilities plus additional line markings, new safety bollards and a new concrete culvert to divert stormwater run-off.
“These upgrades are critical as we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – local athletes of all abilities will be aiming toward those Games, and I’m proud they will now have facilities that meet their needs and allow them to be their best.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said improving opportunities for people with disabilities is a focus for council.
“Para-athletes and spectators with disabilities had been finding it difficult to reach the Bill Paterson Oval clubhouse, so we have employed council’s Provisional Projects program to deliver these important upgrades,” Cr Doyle said.
“Provisional Projects allow Councillors to act on requests from community members for the delivery of important projects not included in the three-year Capital Works program.
“I thank the Ipswich and District Athletics Club members who raised this matter with us.
“The accessibility upgrades at Bill Paterson Oval will ensure more people can enjoy in the physical and social benefits of athletics, encouraging greater participation in athletics as interest swells in the years leading to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Ipswich and District Athletics Club President Vic Pascoe said the initiative will encourage more athletes to take up the sport.
“Our club has several athletes with disabilities. This is going to make it so much easier for them to access our clubhouse and facilities and I would like to thank Ipswich City Council for getting this fantastic project completed,” Mr Pascoe said.
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