Almost $1 million worth of upgrades to improve amenities and boost energy efficiency at Wade Park have been completed.
The $993,191 project was funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund and included:
- Female-friendly upgrades to the toilets, showers and changerooms under the grandstand as well as three new energy efficient hot water heaters.
FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES: The Office of Sport’s Jo Barrett with Orange City Council’s Sport and Recreation Committee Chair Cr Tammy Greenhalgh and Orange Mayor Jason Hamling at Wade Park.
- Upgrades to the referee room to provide areas for men and women.
- Transforming the old canteen into a suitable storage space.
- Replacing the field lighting with energy efficient LED lighting to improve light quality and reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs
- Installation of a 30kw solar panel system and battery storage
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said the improvements would go a long way towards attracting and keeping players and officials in their chosen sport.
“Wade Park is home to several rugby league, league tag and cricket teams, however the amenities previously only catered for male players. This refurbishment means the facilities are now also suitable for female players, which will allow more women’s competitions to be held at Wade Park,” Cr Hamling said.
“All competitors will enjoy the benefits of these infrastructure improvements, which provide suitable and safe facilities for male and female players and officials, not to mention all the teams that travel from far and wide to compete in Orange,” Cr Hamling said.
“The upgrades will also bring the supporting infrastructure up to the standard expected by Cricket NSW and the NRL, making Wade Park a more attractive option for hosting top level representative matches.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the upgrades to the Wade Park facilities will support participation and performance opportunities at all levels and for all members of the community.
“Having access to representative-standard facilities and amenities that cater for everyone will enable more people to take part in sport and enjoy all the benefits these new improvements provide.”
Orange City Council’s Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, welcomed the improvements to energy efficiency at the centre, as well as the improved light quality.
“These upgrades mean Wade Park is Orange City Council’s first net-zero facility, which will not only save ratepayers money but reduce its impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions,” Cr Greenhalgh said.
“The addition of the 66KWh battery storage, will support the energy produced by the 30KWh solar system by powering the field lighting at night for training and night matches.”
The NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund assists in the development of core sport infrastructure, meeting current and future needs of the community.
