After years of being forced to run hundreds of metres to the bathroom, the new change room and restroom facilities at Jack Brabham Park have been officially opened.
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The facility includes bathrooms which can be used by all - saving parents and players long walks across sporting fields to a bathroom - and will also have disability-friendly change rooms and bathrooms for the Orange District Softball Association's Kandooz program.
The $791,000 project, with two change rooms, two showers, two toilets and four female and male public toilets, with $550,000 from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities fund and $241,000 from Orange City Council developer contributions.
Mayor Reg Kidd said he was thrilled to have more high-class sporting facilities added to the sporting precinct, especially ahead of the stadium's construction next door.
"One of the things which tickles my heart is seeing the young people who can play softball with physical and intellectual disabilities. They will be able to use these facilities ... which will attract kids from outside our region," he said.
"It's for everyone, from the tiny tots to people who may have disabilities to use older ones who need to use the loo while we're watching children or grandchildren playing sport."
He thanked councillor Tony Mileto, who had put plenty of time and effort into the project.
Member for Orange Phil Donato echoed Cr Kidd's comments about Kandooz program, and said he'd heard "harrowing stories" about people with disabilities who hadn't made it several hundred metres to bathrooms in time.
"It's something I was very strong about and not only having these sorts of facilities for Kandooz and softball programs but also for people playing cricket and softball out here," Mr Donato said.
Nationals upper house MP Sam Farraway MLC said that these new amenities are an example of the community-focused projects.
"This new amenities block is not only in a more convenient location but also provide better access for people with different levels of ability and a safer place for players of all ages to use change rooms and toilet facilities," Mr Farraway said.
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