The Rotary Club of Chatswood War Memorial Athletic Field
The project was adopted in 1961 by the Rotarians of Chatswood Club as there was no similar Athletic Field on the North Shore and it was felt that the track would be a good investment in the youth of the day.
An area of land approximately 10 acres known as the Whatmore Estate on the Lane Cove River was made available for the development by Willoughby Council after the necessary approval of the County of Cumberland and the Government.
The area was mainly swamp rising to a rocky hillside on the southern boundary and it was estimated that it would require about 15,000 cubic yards of excavation, mainly rock, to reduce the hill and about 70,000 cubic yards of filling to raise the level of the ground to a safe height above high tide level of the Lane Cove River.
The estimated total cost of the project including excavation, filling, drainage, top soil, grassing, water, power, fencing, roads, parking areas and amenities was £60,000.
Work was commenced with equipment and vehicles supplied by Rotary Club Members together with hand labour by members. The area to be filled was cleared and burnt off and filling was obtained from various sources. Two large tractor distributors held demonstration field days on the land and the club benefited by large 50 ton bulldozers ripping the hillside down to the required levels. Other companies provided air compressors and explosives to blast out very hard rock sections. Plant had to be hired from time to time to carry out the work.
Lack of finance hampered the project. An expensive brochure was prepared and sent out to business people. Functions raising money were held by Chatswood Rotarians, local businesses and clubs raised money and people who could see the value of such a Field made donations of cash and kind. Willoughby Council supported the project with a large donation. Good publicity was given by local newspapers and articles appeared in city newspapers.
The project was completed after many years of back breaking effort and was opened by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler in 1966.
Works that was required -
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Provide an estimated 70,000 cubic yards of filling to level the site.
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Excavate 15,000 cubic yards of material, mainly sandstone.
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Provide a road 400 feet in nominal length.
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Erect a track fence of 1,500 feet.
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Install 1,200 feet of 24 inch Armour Pipe.
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Prepare the oval and surrounds for grassing and cinder track.
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Provide 2,000 cubic yards of soil.
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Grass oval and surrounds, also laying of track.
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Provide a man proof fence and gates 150 feet in length to keep vehicles out of the area.
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Reticulate water to the site.
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Provide toilet facilities to both males and females.
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Provide dressing sheds for both males and females.
Click on Rotary Field to see views of the track as it is today.