David Moorcroft OBE is to officially reopen the improved Yeovil Athletics Arena on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th.
The once impressive arena had fallen into a sorry state of repair but partnership funding involving Sport England, South Somerset District Council, Yeovil Town Council and Yeovil Olympiads Athletic Club has made it possible to bring the venue back to its former glory.
The track's synthetic surface has been relaid and the jumping and throwing areas have been upgraded. A significant addition is the installation of floodlights, which will, in theory, allow round-the-clock use of the arena for the first time in its 30-year history.
Senior sports and recreation officer Lynda Bagley said: "We are delighted that this refurbishment project has only taken just over a year in total to secure the money and complete work on site - which is a credit to all who have been concerned.
"The upgrade will again make Yeovil Athletics Arena one of the best synthetic tracks in the southwest."
The opening ceremony will coincide with The Yeovil Games, an event featuring a track and field programme starting at 11.30am.
Admission is free and there will be a lot of side attractions as well. Mr Moorcroft will give a speech and officially reopen the arena at 2pm.
Operational restrictions with regards to the floodlights have been imposed.