MASTER PLAN: Wade Park.
THE community should decide which sporting codes continue to use Wade Park as part of a master plan mapping out the ground’s future according to the chair of Orange City Council sport and recreation committee.
Cr Jason Hamling said he hopes all users have input into the plan for the multi-use ground.
“I’ve had different people say we need to separate it, to have one ground for rugby league and one for cricket,” he said.
“To date all the sporting fraternity have been quite co-operative.”
Concept plans suggest the grounds would remain a multi-use ground by moving the 120 by 70 metre rectangular field closer to the grandstand.
Cr Hamling said the new field was a great idea.
“It would bring the footy closer to the grandstand and closer to the spectators,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful ground but sometimes facilities get old and tired.
“We need to think outside the square.”
The plan suggests work should begin no earlier than the 2014/15 financial year because of the resurfacing of the ground completed last year.
“The facility needs an upgrade ... but we can’t do it just as council, we need state and federal funds,” Cr Hamling said.
The cricket oval and pitch would be realigned and a second grass mound would be constructed, as part of the first stage of upgrades.
Cr Hamling said Orange had been lucky to attract A-League football trials and City-Country rugby league games in the past and upgrades could see more in the future.
“I’ll be pushing to get more west of the mountains,” he said.
The second stage, as recommended by the draft plan, includes grandstand extensions, relocated canteen, player amenities, and team shelters and removal of the “unsightly” tote building.
The third stage would result in 52 and 15 space sealed car parks, an unsealed 52 space car park, field lighting, roads and pedestrian paths, and planting at the caretaker’s house.
While a 50 by 35 metre training field with lighting, cricket practice nets, footpath, new entrance, fence alignment and picnic area would make up the fourth stage.
clare.colley@ruralpress.com