The upgrades of three of Wagga Wagga City Council's sporting facilities have taken key steps forward this week.
McPherson Oval in North Wagga Wagga, Gissing Oval in Turvey Park and Harris Park in Mount Austin, are currently undergoing upgrades, designed to create safer spaces for women in sport and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
The McPherson Oval project is being delivered by the North Wagga Saints Football Netball Club, who secured grant funding to support the construction.
Council's Project Supervisor Brian Whiteley says groundwork at the site started about two weeks ago with the installation of a new sewer connection for both the new and existing facilities.
"The concrete slab was poured this week and we'll be able to start work on constructing the building itself, which will include multi-use female change rooms, showers and amenities for players," Mr Whiteley said.
"There will also be a dedicated space for officials, and we'll be putting in new security measures such as CCTV and swipe card access to help make it a safer environment for everyone who uses the oval."
At Harris Park, the concrete block walls are going up on the additions to the existing facility as part of Stage 1 of the redevelopment of the site.
At Gissing Oval, work is underway on the fit-out of a new amenities building (adjacent to the existing facility), which features a conference room, two female-friendly change rooms and showers, and a dedicated referee room.
It is expected the new build will be completed by the end of October, with the refurbishment on the existing amenities building to be finished by the end of January 2026, weather and contractor availability permitting.
Council's Recreation Coordinator Josh Walsh says the three upgrades will deliver long-term benefits for the sporting groups who use these facilities, as well as by the broader community.
"These projects reflect the importance of having modern change facilities that cater for all sporting participants in our community, and meet the current demands of sport, particularly the growth of female participation in sports," Mr Walsh said.
"They will provide a space supporting social wellbeing and inclusion, while also enhancing the capacity of the sporting grounds to host competitions and training,"
The three upgrades are funded by the NSW Government in partnership with Council, with the Harris Park upgrade also involving a contribution from Wagga Rugby League.
PROJECT FUNDING
McPherson Oval – NSW Office of Sport's Level The Playing Field Program, in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council.
Gissing Oval – NSW Government's Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program, in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council.
Harris Park – NSW Office of Sport, Wagga Wagga City Council, and Wagga Ruby League.
