New Athletics Track in Dilbeek: Sports Infrastructure for All Ages
The Roelandsveld sports site in Dilbeek has undergone a successful transformation, ready to showcase both local and national athletics talent. The brand new athletics track was inaugurated by Flemish Minister of Sport, Ben Weyts. Sweco led the design, technical execution, and supervision of the works.
Originally established in 1984, the site has been renovated forty years later to meet the latest athletics standards. This is a significant step forward for the sports infrastructure in Dilbeek and the wider region. With the upgraded top facilities, athletes can push their limits and pursue their dreams.
In late 2023, the complete renovation of the athletics track began. The old track was removed and rebuilt from the ground up, resulting in a state-of-the-art sports facility that meets the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Renovation According to Strict Standards
The old facilities were no longer suitable for official competitions, leading the municipality to decide on a new track. It has now been officially approved by the Flemish Athletics League, meaning that the Dilbeek Athletics Club can soon host Flemish Championships.
Bavo Couvreur, Advisor/Junior Engineer at Sweco, shared: “We focused heavily on achieving the prestigious World Athletics Class 2 certification. This entails strict requirements regarding safety distances, among other factors. A W.A.-certified track must provide enough space for world record improvements. For example, the current world record in javelin throw stands at an impressive 98.48 meters. Therefore, the throwing area has been extended to a full 100 meters, ready for new records.”
Sustainable and Climate-Adaptative Design
Jeroen Dewit, Team Manager at Sweco, stated: “Before the work commenced, we conducted an infiltration study. Based on that, we opted for a fully permeable construction for the new athletics track. This sustainable approach also applies to all materials used.”
Investment in Sports Infrastructure: From Amateur to Elite Athlete
During the renovation, we focused on creating new facilities for field events. The revamped track now features multiple shot put, high jump, and javelin stands, as well as long jump and pole vault facilities with run-up lanes on both sides. These enhancements provide athletes with more training opportunities and make the organization of large competitions possible again.
The new track is also complemented by additional training facilities, including a multi-sport area with a mini track for younger athletes, a slope, stairs, and pull-up bars. A section of the Finnish track has been renewed as well. The pole vault stand has been relocated, allowing jumpers to choose their approach direction based on the wind.
This versatile infrastructure accommodates both recreational and competitive sports. Primary school students in Dilbeek and students in the sports programs at Odisee University College and Don Bosco Groot-Bijgaarden now have a new sports asset.
