Opening on 13th February 1999, the Hunter Sports Centre, is one of the Region's premier sporting venues.
The 10 million dollar complex initially comprised of the Ken Booth Gymnastics Centre, as well as the Hunter Region Athletics Facility. Funding for this project primarily came from Lake Macquarie City Council with the NSW State Government contributing approximately 20% towards the funds.
Further development of the site continued during 2000 in the lead up to the Sydney Olympic games. A small weights centre was established on our mezzanine level and a grassed warm-up facility has been developed on the eastern end of the complex. It is expected that these areas will be used extensively for a range of different sports and group activities to assist in generating funds to ensure the growth and development of the Centre.
The 'Ken Booth Gymnastics Centre' has hosted numerous State and National events. It was also selected by the Gold Medal winning Chinese Olympic Team for the venue of their pre-Games training in September 2000. The venue is used both by regional clubs as a training venue as well as by the Centre itself. Over 400 local residents participate in the wide range of gymnastics activities conducted at the Centre including Kindergym, Recreational programs, Trampoline, Gentle Gym and programs for people with a disability.
The track facility is used quite extensively by local schools throughout the year. In addition to the high demand by school groups local athletes and clubs utilise the facility for regular training sessions.
The quality of the surface and facilities at the Centre have received wide acclaim, and have hosted such events as the 2001 and 2002 Telstra Grand Prix, 2001 Athletics NSW Country Championships and an international friendly involving 10 nations in a lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
…the Centre is for all people to use, be they professional or social athletes…
Overall a community-based committee involving local council representatives, representative of regional and State athletics and gymnastics bodies, as well as a number of community representatives, controls management of the Centre. Lake Macquarie City Council still possesses ownership of the Centre, and is ultimately responsible for the complex.
As the Centre is primarily a community facility the costs for usage have been established to allow maximum use by the community. In the same vane, the Centre is for all people to use, be they professional or social athletes, therefore the range of programs and activities offered is varied to cater for a broad cross-section.
The mission statement of the Centre applies equally as well for individuals as for the Centre as a whole…
"Dream, Believe, Create, Achieve"
