Parkes Shire Council is celebrating the completion of two major sporting infrastructure projects at Cheney Oval and the Turf 1 Hockey Field, with another exciting upgrade on the way.
Thanks to $2.97 million funding from the NSW Government, Cheney Oval has undergone extensive rehabilitation, and the Turf 1 Hockey Field has been redeveloped.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project completions are good news for sports lovers as well as the broader community.
"Whether you enjoy getting out and playing, cheering on your favourite team, or you live in and around Parkes these upgrades are great news for the region," Minister Moriarty said.
"Games bring people to stay, play and spend in Parkes and nearby towns and the flow on effects of having top class facilities are good for everyone."
A third project, the upgrade of the Cheney Oval sportsground lighting, has also now been announced, with funding secured through the NSW Government
Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Neil Westcott said the projects represent a major investment in the future of sport and recreation in the region.
"Our local sporting facilities are vital for community health, wellbeing and social connection," Mayor Westcott said.
"The Cheney Oval rehabilitation and the Turf 1 Hockey Field redevelopment are important upgrades that will benefit our local clubs and support Parkes to continue hosting regional, state, and even national competitions. The upcoming lighting project will further strengthen Cheney Oval as a year-round, multi-sport hub, that will benefit local sports including touch football, cricket and hockey, as well as lead to increased use of the precinct."
State Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said, "It was a privilege to announce on behalf of the NSW Government and Minister David Harris MP the $210,580 grants funding for the installation of new LED lighting at Cheney Oval."
"I congratulate Parkes Marist Junior League Club on their successful application, which will contribute to the greater sporting infrastructure projects at Cheney Oval."
"These enhancements will extend access and opportunity for Parkes locals, and visitors, to participate in a number of sports - all year around," said Mr Donato.
Project Overviews:
- Cheney Oval Rehabilitation
Funded by the NSW Government ($740,467) and Parkes Shire Council ($371,204), this $1.11 million project has delivered the final stage of critical rehabilitation works at Cheney Oval. This project addressed significant salinity and drainage issues that had made parts of the oval unusable, with a comprehensive subsoil drainage system and surface remediation now complete. Cheney Park is home to the Parkes Pumas Touch Association and regularly hosts regional and state championships. The upgraded infrastructure will also benefit cricket, and hockey, boosting participation and future use.
- Turf 1 Hockey Field Redevelopment
Delivered with $2.23 million in funding from the NSW Government and $250,000 from Parkes Hockey Inc, the $2.48 million Turf 1 project marks the first stage of a broader $3 million hockey facility upgrade.
The redevelopment included the removal of the old surface and full installation of a new playing field, ensuring Parkes Hockey's more than 600 members, including State and National representatives, have access to a modern, high-quality venue.
- Cheney Oval Lighting Upgrade
Funding of $210,580 from the NSW Government, together with $75,000 from the Parkes Marist Junior League Club, will deliver a $285,580 upgrade of the Cheney Oval sportsground lighting. The project will install modern LED lighting, benefitting a range of sports including rugby league, touch football, hockey and cricket.
President of Parkes Marists Jason O'Bryan said the new lights would be a game-changer for local sport.
"Having quality lighting at Cheney Oval will mean all our teams can train at the one venue, helping to grow our club and make it more convenient for families, especially during winter when training is currently split across multiple locations," Mr O'Bryan said.
"With temperatures rising during summer, the new lights will also enable safer evening training sessions when it's cooler."
Works on the lighting upgrade are expected to commence soon, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.
Parkes Shire Council extends its thanks to the NSW Government and all project partners for their support in delivering these vital upgrades for the community.
