Harold Corr Athletics Track
Designing Penrith’s New Synthetic Athletics Track
New South Wales

Located between biodiversity and heritage overlays, the site not only had these physical constraints, but also the ground conditions were less than favourable, consisting of a reactive clay material.

The council sought a modern, competition-ready athletics facility that could serve the community and meet international standards, while also managing costs and site constraints. The project evolved as new requirements emerged, including the addition of a car park and access road, improved spectator access, and the discovery of an asbestos mound that required safe rebalancing of earthworks. There was also a need to simplify the drainage layout and reduce the amount of spoil leaving the site, while keeping the design buildable and efficient.

We began by reviewing the site information and preparing a technical paper that outlined the pros and cons of different track surface systems, their life cycles, and associated costs. This helped the Council make informed decisions early. Our initial concept design drawings covered earthworks, all field of play elements, drainage and pavements.

As the project developed, we prepared tender-ready drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. We also supported Council through the tender and construction phases by responding to design queries, reviewing shop drawings, and attending key inspections.

When the scope changed due to latent site conditions, we redesigned the track surrounds to make them more accessible and DDA-compliant, rebalanced the earthworks to include the asbestos mound, and refined the drainage layout to reduce the number of pits and minimise off-site disposal. These updates were supported by 3D modelling to optimise material use and construction efficiency.

The project delivered a cohesive, construction-ready design that gave Penrith City Council confidence in both cost and constructability. The upgrades enhanced spectator access and inclusivity, established a safer, more sustainable earthworks solution, and streamlined drainage systems to simplify long-term maintenance.

When announcing a new synthetic track for the Herbert Street facility back in 2021, Penrith PM Stuart Ayres said:

“In consultation with local athletics groups and Penrith City Council, the decision has been made to build the new synthetic sports track at Harold Corr Oval. [...]This sports track will enable athletes to train consistently even during inclement weather and is the first synthetic track in the Penrith area.”

“For too long our best athletes have had to go outside of our community to reach their potential – to get access to the best facilities, the best coaches – now those athletes are going to stay here or even come here,” Mr Ayres said.

“I also think there are some great opportunities that exist in regional events, state events and school carnivals. That will also be great for the local economy as well.”

Source: Penrith’s first synthetic sports track to be built at Werrington’s Harold Corr Oval

Today, the Harold Corr Athletics Track stands as a durable, low-maintenance facility supporting school carnivals, community sport, and regional competitions. Improved pathways, accessible viewing areas, and a DDA-compliant pavilion connection have made the venue welcoming for all users, while the refined earthworks and drainage have created a resilient foundation built to last.

This project reflects the strength of collaboration between Penrith City Council and SPORTENG’ showcasing how thoughtful, practical design can transform a community’s sporting vision into enduring infrastructure.