Roadtown, Tortola - The A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds will be temporarily closed from this week to facilitate the levelling of the infield.

Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office with responsibility for Projects, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro explained that the closure of the facility is necessary to ensure the safety of the public while the project is undertaken.

“The project is part of efforts to improve the facility,” she told the Department of Information and Public Relations. She added that “the infield should be used for field events and if we want to maintain our Class II certification by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), we have to ensure that the facility can actually accommodate those types of sporting activities.”

According to Mrs. Smith-Maduro, it is in the best interest of the public that the grounds be closed for the duration of the project. “Government recognises that more and more people have been using the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in recent times and while we welcome this development, we also have a duty to protect the safety of residents. Although the closure will be an inconvenience to some, we have to consider the greater good which is the safety of all,” she stated.

The Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office explained that once the ground is levelled, a horticulturalist will treat the surface. “The facility will re-open when the levelling of the infield is complete but to facilitate the work of the horticulturalist, the public will be restricted from using the grass area during this period,” she said.

“Government sincerely regrets any inconvenience that the closure of the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and the restricted use of the infield will cause,” Mrs. Smith-Maduro stated as she appealed for the full cooperation of the public. “It is expected that the public will regain full use of the facility in September,” she added.

The installation of the rubberised track at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds represents a significant investment by the Government and its commitment to the overall development of youth and sports in the Territory. The rubberised track was officially opened in June 2008 and is expected to enable the Territory to host regional track and field events.