A new state-of-the-art athletics centre is set to become a key training ground for athletes of all levels from tiny tots to Olympians after it opened to the public on Friday evening.

The highly-anticipated, multi-million dollar Bridgestone Athletics Centre was officially opened during a celebratory event with a series of running races taking place for the first time on the elite-standard 400 metre running track.

The Centre, located at the 6.8 hectare Bridgestone Reserve, boasts sustainability features including recycled surface materials, led lighting, water harvesting and solar panels.

City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM welcomed the Centre, which is a result of a partnership between Council, the State Government, Bridgestone and Athletics SA.

We are thrilled to be opening the Bridgestone Athletics Centre, which will not only provide a much-needed new home for three local athletics clubs, but also benefit regional and state associations including northern schools.

I look forward to watching on as our local future athletics stars are empowered to achieve their dreams thanks to this fabulous new facility.

Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard, said the development of the centre was important in fulfilling a need for additional athletics facilities in the north.

“The Marshall Government is proud to have invested almost $1.5 million towards the Bridgestone Athletics Centre, which will prove integral in supporting the future growth of athletics in South Australia,” Minister Wingard said.

“This project also ties in with our new Game On strategy which is all about making it easier and safer for people to exercise more often.”

Bridgestone Managing Director Stephen Roche said the company was proud to have collaborated with City of Salisbury to develop the Centre at the site of its former manufacturing facility, which closed a decade ago.

“When Bridgestone returned this land to the City of Salisbury back in 2011, our vision was for it to be a vibrant space that benefited the community. To see the Bridgestone Athletics Centre come to life has far exceeded our expectations for Bridgestone Reserve,” Mr Roche said.

“Over Bridgestone Corporation’s 90 year history, there is a proud heritage of giving back to the community to deliver social value as well as customer value, and our partnership with the City of Salisbury and the Bridgestone Athletics Centre is an example of this commitment.”