What is the West Dapto Cross-Country Park?

When completed the West Dapto Cross-Country Park will be a purpose built venue catering for cross-country running events and other fitness activities such as walking and general training. The venue will be a ‘one-of-its-kind’ providing a variety of trails of different lengths and a fantastic clubhouse facility on the site. The Kembla Joggers will be the owner and manager of the facilities on land under licence from Wollongong City Council. The club will conduct a number of feature events at the venue during its normal winter and summer racing programs, in addition to most junior events and alternative senior events held at West Dapto.

Where is it located?

The cross-country park is situated on 20ha of land at the Integral Energy Recreation Park (IERP), located on Darkes Road, Brownsville. The clubhouse footprint is located on the western side of the main park access road, opposite the existing toilet facilities building.

What will the Park look like when it is completed?

The park will also incorporate the new Australian Motor Life Museum near the park entrance (under construction) and an indoor air rifle shooting range in the north eastern corner of the property. Other more modest facilities are proposed throughout the park including small picnic shelters, BBQs and seating in addition to the already completed large picnic shelter. Once finalised, the cross-country trails will be levelled and maintained such that the tracks will be discernible to casual users of the park. It is expected that the park will develop into wonderful asset for the local running fraternity and general community.

What is Kembla Joggers role in the development of the Park?

The park is managed by the Council sponsored IERP Management Committee and is represented on this committee by KJ President, Neil Barnett. All major decisions about the future direction of the park is made by the Management Committee which meets monthly. The KJs will be responsible for the progression and maintenance of the cross-country and clubhouse projects but from time to time will also assist in the general park development, such as Bushcare tree planting days etc.

What distances will be possible?

The club already has developed trails of distance 1km, 2km, 2.5km and 3km, which means most distances are possible using multiple circuits. It is hoped that circuits of distances up to 5km will soon be possible using the adjoining private property to the north of the park. The club hopes to be given leasehold to a parcel of this land in the near future making this possible. These trails will traverse the wooded areas adjacent to West Dapto Road and make the circuits much more interesting.

Who can use the Facilities?

The park is now open to the public during daylight hours. When completed the KJs will have a licence on the land used for the cross-country trails and the clubhouse. This means any user-groups can then book the venue directly through the club. Besides the KJs, it is expected that the venue will be heavily used by School groups for cross-country carnivals during the week, plus other sporting and community groups. The clubhouse is likely to be hired out for general use for meetings and functions at the park.

How will the facilities be maintained?

The club will be responsible for the maintenance of the cross-country tracks and the clubhouse alone. Some agreements are already in place with Council over the ongoing maintenance of the grass trails and the club will soon be in possession of a ride on mower for ‘touch up’ work. The remainder of the park will be maintained by Council under the direction of the IERP Management Committee.

What sort of clubhouse will the club be building?

The clubhouse includes a function room capable of seating up to 80 people, meeting room, toilets and showers, kitchen, large balcony, garage, storage room, canteen and an undercover outdoor entertainment area. The facility will be impressive architecturally incorporating brick and Colorbond materials, and will utilise eco-smart and energy saving features.

How much will the project cost?

The total cost of the clubhouse project has been estimated at approximately $420,000. Other costs are expected to upgrade the trails but this is not expected to be significant.

How will the project be funded now and in the future?

The club has established a West Dapto fund to raise money for the project so that there is little or no impact on general club funds. Over $50,000 cash has already been raised from things like the Fitness 5, Trivia Night, Raffle and contributions from our major sponsor, Wests Illawarra. On top of this the club was recently awarded $200,000 funding from the NSW government and a $100,000 Council grant towards the project late last year. We also have close to $50,000 of in-kind work committed. This means the project is just about fully funded. Future maintenance costs will easily be met by park user fees and hiring out the clubhouse facility.

Where can I get more information or how can I help?

For more information about the project or to offer assistance in any way please contact Neil Barnett on 42274662 or 0419-256047. Copies of clubhouse plans and project CD are available on request.