The South Otago Athletics Club (SOAC) had been campaigning for a running track on Centennial Park, but the 400m circuit would have required the Clutha Parks Trust to adjust construction plans for a bicycle pump track and other facilities.
The club started in 1947 and was established on Centennial Park by 1965, but was "in recess" between 2016-20, when the council and the trust made plans to develop the area.
But the resurgent club, with concrete clubrooms on the ground it considers home, now has more than 55 active, school-aged members, and has been petitioning the council and the trust about the running track for two years.
At Thursday’s Clutha District Council meeting, the club’s difficulties with moving to other areas such as South Otago High School or the A&P showgrounds were questioned by some councillors.
Others reiterated the trust’s years of organising, fundraising and signed-off plans, permissions and agreements with council, which trust member and Balclutha ward councillor Alison Ludemann viewed as binding.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan described the decision as an "awful situation", and when discussion was over, votes were 9-5 against the club’s request for review of the existing masterplan for Centennial Park.
Parks trust chairman Jared McPhee was relieved by the decision.
"We have obligations to residents near the park to stick with the restrictions in the agreed plans, and what we’re doing is for the whole community too," he said.
"We really respect what the athletics club is achieving and we’re open to assisting them as we move on from here."
SOAC president Veronica Paulin said she was "deeply disappointed" the club would have to leave its home ground.
"It’s a shame the trust wasn’t open to working with us to ensure the grounds remained accessible for multiple users," she said,
"Although this is a major setback, our committee remains committed to providing opportunities for all keen athletes in the South Otago district.
"We hope with council’s support we can quickly find a way forward, whether that means securing a new location or exploring every possible avenue to challenge this decision."
Sport Clutha regional co-ordinator Craig Gordon said they were committed to supporting SOAC to find a sustainable long-term solution.
"Driven by its dedicated coaches, volunteers, and committee, the club’s growth in recent years demonstrates the vital role athletics plays in our region’s sporting landscape.
"While we understand the complexities surrounding facility provisions in the district, we believe it is essential to ensure all codes have appropriate venues to deliver their programmes effectively."
