(ATR) The golden shovels have hit the ground in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, marking the start of construction for one of the major legacy projects of the 2010 Olympics, the Richmond Oval.
The 8,000 seat arena will host speed skating during the Games. Afterwards, the oval and its surroundings on the Fraser River will become what is supposed to be the premier center for sports, recreation and wellness in the province of British Columbia.
"This is an historic day for our City," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie at the ground breaking ceremony held under overcast skies, about 150 people on hand.
Brodie says the oval "will also act as a catalyst that will reshape our city center and help Richmond achieve its vision to be the most appealing, livable and well managed community in Canada."
The city will spend upwards of $100 million on the project, with the rest of the $50 million to be shared by federal and provincial governments.
City of Richmond press chief Ted Townsend tells Around the Rings that after the Games, the oval will be converted into three ice sheets, although the 400 meter track used for speed skating also will remain available for use as needed.
He says the first few months of work on the oval involves preparation of the site, which requires many truckloads of sand to provide a firm base for the skating track.
Above ground work will begin in early 2006 with completion set for 2008. Vancouver 2010 CEO John Furlong notes that the completion of the oval 18 months before the Games is meant to help insure trouble-free venues.
"Early delivery means less complexity and early access for athlete training, and the opportunity to achieve podium success. It also means extra time to test and re-test venue operations well in advance of the Games," says Furlong.
Other major Olympic construction projects in the Vancouver vicinity include a hall for curling, a second arena for ice hockey and the Olympic Village.
Your best source of news about the Vancouver Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com.
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