Wallis wary of huge white elephant track

Wairarapa athletics identity Ray Wallis has reservations over moves to construct an all-weather track in the region.
Wallis, who has been involved in athletics since 1947 and who has helped administrate the sport at centre level since 1960, believes 'considerable thought" needs to put into any such proposal because of the dangers of it becoming a "huge white elephant."
He questioned whether usage of the track would make it a viable proposition with current membership of at least two of the Wairarapa clubs, Carterton and Featherston, indicating a lack of members aged over 16yrs of age.
On that basis usage would mainly be confined to youngsters and perhaps local schools would host some events there.
Wallis said the current grass tracks meant members of the general public were able to use them just about any time they wished but access to an all-weather track would be more difficult because of the risk of it being damaged.
Wallis said the suggestion that an all-weather track would see major meets allocated to Wairarapa could have some substance but he pointed out the number of open events were few and far between these days and if centre and national championships were staged here it would be necessary to have the gear required for all events, including steeplechase, hurdles, and pole vault.
The cost of maintenance also needed to be considered. "An all-weather track is not like grass or tarseal where the council can just come along with a bucket of top soil or tar and patch it up, it is a big job to repair damage and can be very costly," he said. "The life span is not that great either, with a major upgrade or replacement likely about every 10 to 15 years."
Wallis said, as an ex-coach, he had reservations about young athletes doing the bulk of their training on all-weather tracks.
"It's like running on the road all the time, you keep putting strain on the same parts of the body," he said.
While a venue for the proposed track has yet to be confirmed, Wallis questioned whether there was any facility in Masterton which would be suitable.
Queen Elizabeth Park, for one, would require a major revamp because of its lack of width and the fact it was not level, Memorial Park was a rugby venue and rugby and athletics were not a good mix, the grandstand at Solway Showgrounds would be well away from the action and there was also the possible problem there of wandering stock while bringing the Pugh Sports Bowl up to standard would probably cost somewhere between $500,000 and $1m.
Wallis knows some people will see his comments as being negative but he emphasised he was speaking out because of a feeling that for any all-weather track proposal to become a reality it was crucial that the pros and cons of its value were given a fair airing.