| Palmer Park Stadium | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Palmer Park Stadium |
| Location | Wokingham Road Reading Berkshire RG6 1LF |
| Opened | 22 August 1998 |
| Owner | Reading Borough Council |
| Surface | Synthetic |
| Capacity | 780 |
Palmer Park Stadium is located in Palmer Park, Reading. It contains a velodrome and athletics stadium. Set in acres of parkland, the stadium provides a focal point for a variety of indoor and outdoor leisure activities,[1] and is also used by the Berkshire Renegades for training[2]
The velodrome was originally built at the turn of the 20th century, making it one of the oldest in the country. It has hosted weekly track leagues throughout the summer and many national events and championships such as the British National Derny Championships.
459 metres in length, it has been described as one of the country's best asphalt track surfaces,[3] although until 1955 when it was resurfaced, it was a loose red shale which meant riders often slid sideways in the bankings. The velodrome was closed in 2002 due to subsidence, as the track was built on the location of some old chalk pits. Reading Borough Council had the dips filled and the track surface refurbished for the start of the 2003 season.[4] Palmer Park Velo cycling club is based at the velodrome, it caters for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Past members of Palmer Park Velo include John Paul, who in August 2011 won the World Junior Track Sprint Championship. Other past members include the female professional riders Hannah Barnes and Harriet Owen. [5] [6]