What We Need
A complete athletics track isn't just a 400m loop. Here's what the facility needs.
The Bottom Line: We need a complete athletics facility to England Athletics standards. Without jumps and throws, we exclude half the athletes and lose competitive opportunities.
The 400m Track
- ✓ Regulation width and lane dimensions
- ✓ High-quality running surface
- ✓ Proper drainage and maintenance access
- ✓ Lighting for evening/winter training
Why This Matters:
Gives runners of all levels a place to train safely, together, at a standard facility.
Jump Areas
Long Jump
- • Runway (45m+)
- • Sand pit
- • Measurement system
High Jump
- • Dedicated mat area
- • Crossbar and uprights
- • Safety standards
Triple Jump
- • Runway
- • Sand pit
- • Regulation dimensions
Why This Matters:
Jump events are core to athletics. Without them, you lose:
- • Young athletes discovering their talent in these disciplines
- • Competitive opportunities (meets, leagues, championships)
- • Pathways to higher levels of the sport
- • Full diversity of the athletics experience
Throws Ring
Shot Put
- • Throwing circle (2.135m)
- • Landing area
- • Marked sector
Javelin
- • Runway
- • Landing area
- • Measurement marks
Hammer & Discus
- • Circle area
- • Safety net/cage
- • Landing sector
Why This Matters:
Throws are exciting, technical, and accessible to athletes of all builds. They're core to athletics competition. Young people want to try them.
Support Facilities
Warm-Up Area
Grass area or secondary track loop. Essential—athletes can't just start on the main track.
Changing & Facilities
- • Separate changing rooms
- • Showers and toilets
- • Lockers and storage
Food & Refreshments
Café or vending. Athletes train hard and need fuel and hydration.
Spectator Areas
- • Seating or standing room
- • Shelter from weather
- • Family viewing space
Accessible Parking
Safe, accessible parking for athletes, families, and visitors. Non-negotiable for inclusion.
Club & Management Space
Office or meeting room for clubs, coaches, and administration.
Why This Spec Matters
It's Backed by Standards
These requirements follow England Athletics technical standards for community athletics facilities.
It's Proven
Similar facilities exist nearby and serve their communities well.
It's One-Time Only
We get one chance to build this right. We compromise for 20+ years if we ask for less now.
It Serves Everyone
Not just elite athletes. Young people, casual runners, clubs, families, schools—the whole community.
The Ask
We're asking for a complete athletics track, not a partial one.
A 400m track with jumps and throws, proper support facilities, and accessibility for everyone. Built to England Athletics standards. Open to schools and community clubs. A genuine asset for East Grinstead.
Next Steps
We're in conversation with the developer, England Athletics, and Imberhorne School to finalize this specification.
A public consultation will open soon. Stay informed for dates and how to give feedback.