THE naming of the roadway into Albury’s athletics track after the late Les O’Brien has emerged as the preferred option to recognise the prominent sporting figure who died in August.
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Albury Council’s Alexandra Park advisory committee has come up with three options since his death at the age of 80.
In response, the advisory committee was approached to consider appropriate options to recognise Mr O’Brien’s decades of nurturing young athletes at the venue.
A preferred option will be selected by council and be put forward for community consultation in the new year.
The entry road to Alexandra Park runs from the end of Short Street to the carpark.
Consideration was also given to naming any future terrace seating at the venue the Les O’Brien Stand and putting in a commemorative rock with plaque of his contributions at the entrance to the track.
The options are included in the agenda for the council’s community and cultural committee meeting on Monday night.
The advisory committee is chaired by mayor Kevin Mack and includes representatives from athletics and little athletics clubs.
Albury Council declined to comment on the process to date.
But Albury-based athletics coach Marcus Arnold maintains naming the track after Mr O’Brien remains the best form of recognition.
“To pass on and not have some sort of recognition would be a bit of a crime,” Mr Arnold said.
“The track is most appropriate.
“It is where he spent most of his time and it is where most of the athletes were.
“He met them there and coached them there.
“It was all done at the track so the naming of the track after Les would be the most appropriate.”
Any option to recognise Mr O’Brien will also be done in consultation with his family.
Albury City United Soccer Club also wrote to council asking for consideration be given to re-naming Alexandra Park to the Les O’Brien Athletic Complex following his death.
Mr O’Brien was recognised by Rotary with a Paul Harris Fellowship for six decades service to the community, predominantly sport, a year ago.