FIVE trees, known as the “Olympic Flame” have been planted in a special ceremony at Warrington as a permanent reminder of the passage of the Olympic Torch through the town.
The trees were planted by the Mayor, Cllr Steve Wright, and park user group representatives.
The ceremony also marked the start of a project to refurbish and upgrade the sports facilities in the arena.
Representatives from Warrington Athletics Club and local running club Spectrum Striders, Latchford Albion and Unicorns Rugby League clubs and Warrington Junior Football League joined the Mayor in planting the special variety of Mountain Ash.
The arena is a key regional leisure facility and is well used by residents, sports clubs, community groups and schools.
Construction work will begin in September and should be completed in time for the next year’s athletics season.
The borough council has approved the upgrading of the arena and its facilities in order to:
*Support the provision of sport and recreation in recognition of the contribution it makes to the health and wellbeing of residents
*Support local clubs in developing their sports and helping them to achieve competitive success
*Demonstrate the council’s commitment to maximising the legacy of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The athletics track will be resurfaced, a new land drainage system installed and the central area will be redesigned to accommodate adult and junior Rugby League matches as well as football.
Cllr Kate Hannon, the council’s executive member for leisure, community and culture, said: “The health and wellbeing of the borough’s residents is highly important to the council and we are keen to support the community however they seek to become active.
“This refurbishment will ensure that Warrington residents of all ages and abilities can compete and train on an excellent facility. We are planning to have an official re-opening event next year at the start of the new athletics season when we can show visiting clubs just how good a facility we have.”
Picture: the tree planting ceremony
