Cork Athletic's Riverstick Grounds - Planned Developments
Paddy Buckley, Chairman, Cork Athletics speaking at the opening, with
AAI CEO, John Foley
This time last year, on Sunday November 3rd, 2013, Cork Athletic's
grounds, in Slieveroe, Riverstick, were formally opened, with the
holding of the 2013 Cork County Senior and Junior Cross-Country
Championships.
The site, as purchased, consisted of 32 acres of prime agricultural
land and some 4 acres of bogland, at the lower end of the lands. The
perimeter of the site is approx. 1500m. The intial preparation of
the site, for competition, included grading and filling of a parking
areas and locations for future cabins and storage, and the filling of
ruts and removal of large stones on the course. Most of the
hardcore required was sourced from the lower area of the site,
resulting in a considerable saving.
Since the site opening, much further work has been done by Cork
Athletic's Field Committee. Further filling of ruts and removal of
stones has been done, more work has been done to the car park area and
cabins, office space and changing facilities have been installed.
Development
Land Remediation
The site still has some ruts and stones and it is now planned, next spring,
to fully plough and de-stone the site. Following this, the running area
will be rolled. The site will then be let fallow for a few weeks and
then re-seeded. It is intended to have a 10m wide running strip around
the perimeter, however the entire site will be available for any course
design. Following all of this work, heavy machinery will not be
allowed on the site, so all grass/silage cutting will be carried out in
a way that will not undo earlier work.
Office space at Riverstick grounds
Storage and office units in Riverstick, in the background
Bogland Recovery
It now transpires that much of the boggy land is serviced by drains
that have, over many years, have become blocked. These drains are
now being opened up again. This should result in more "good land".
Parking
Runners, in the 2014 County Senior, passing the current car parking area
The Field Committee is exploring the provision of a dedicated parking
area that will not impinge on the running area.
Grass Running Track
The Field Committee is also looking at providing a full size grass
running track, on level ground, along with throwing rings and jump pits.
Competition
Currently, the site has been used solely for Cork County events,
however, on completion, the site will be available for National,
Munster and schools events.
Availability to Clubs
The site is available to clubs for training, subject to strict criteria:
Any club using the facility must nominate a keyholder, who shall be
responsible for ensuring that the facilities integrity is maintained
while the club is onsite
The Board MUST be notified, in writing or email, prior to each use
All vehicles must be parked inside the grounds - parking on the
adjacent roadway is NOT permitted.
It is NOT permitted to train alone on the site, on healtyh and safety
grounds.
Training is confined to a 10m wide strip around the perimeter.
Except solely for Guide Dogs/Assistance Dogs, Dogs are NOT permitted on
the grounds at any stage.