The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Division of Sports and Recreation announced yesterday that the track and field as well as the grand stand will be off limits to the public from Feb. 9 to Feb. 15.
DCCA enumerates reasons for maintaining and implementing stricter rules and regulations in the facility.
First, the facility had already been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations prior to the Oceania under-18 and Open Athletics Championships last June.
In order to remain in good standings with the IAAF it was recommended that the facility receive maintenance services and repairs every six months.
The DCCA noted that the general public has not adhered to the rules governing the proper upkeep of the facility since the Oceania Championships.
To much disappointment, the facility has deteriorated.
It was also observed that the users of the facility have continued to neglect the following rules:
• Bringing in, wearing and/or using roller blades, baby strollers, cleats, and non-running shoes just to name a few, on the track and field which contributes to deterioration.
• Bringing in animals, such as dogs, on the track and field in which the animals defacate on the grounds.
• Chewing betel nut and spitting on the track and field, and on the newly constructed grandstand which is disgusting, unsanitary and is an unhealthy neusance.
• Constantly discarding their trash, such as empty water containers, soda cans, candy and gum wrappers, all over the facilty grounds which is not environmentally friendly, instead of throwing them away in the proper trash recepticles or taking it with them.
• Leaving children unattended. the safety of children is a major concern when children are left by themselves and end up climbing on the fence, kicking, breaking and/or walking on the railings of the track and field, jumping in and/or on the sand pits and high jump cushions, which all could cause injury to children and it interrupts athletes in training.
DCCA also said that the track and field sports complex seems to have resembled a playground rather than an internationally certified training facility. The facility, it said was designed and built for training purposes and not for recreational walking.
DCCA said it will inform the public about the new rules regarding proper use of the facility and new hours for use by the public once it re-opens.
These new rules and hours will be set in place and stricly enforced in order to keep the longevity of the facility and remain in good certification standing with the IAAF.
