Competitors In For Long Run As Beaton Park Turns 24
Illawarra Mercury
Monday February 21, 2005
BIRTHDAY cake was substituted with the promise of a healthy lifestyle and a mad dash for the finish line at Beaton Park Leisure Centre yesterday.
The Gwynneville sporting complex threw its doors open to the public from 9am to celebrate 24 years' operation. Although the damp weather affected the turnout, a Wollongong City Council spokesperson said there were still several hundred people in the stands.Free activities throughout the day included aquarobics, cycling, body balance and pump classes. Professional staff conducted free skinfold testing and personal-training consultations, while children were kept busy with an inflatable monster island in the pool complex.The open day coincided with the annual Dash for Cash 100m sprint. Beaton Park personal trainer Lucas Chodat claimed the title of the Illawarra's fastest man in a time of 10.86sec, while South Coast runner Ashley Cheney won the women's event in 12.17. In the 3km endurance event, Jared Poppett from Kembla Joggers was first past the post. Wollongong competitor Erin Hargraves took line honours in the women's event. Wollongong Lord Mayor Alex Darling said Beaton Park's fitness activities had made a difference to the lives of many residents since the centre opened in 1981. "The facilities and programs offered through Beaton Park have been recognised numerous times through awards and compliments from residents through to overseas competitors," Councillor Darling said."The open day provided residents who may have been making some positive lifestyle change to see what exactly is on offer and how our staff can help them achieve their goals."
© 2005 Illawarra Mercury
