Parkes cricket pavilion restored to former Glory

April 16, 2020

Recreation / Sport / Venues /

The 61 year-old pavilion at Parkes' Woodward Oval has been restored to its former glory, thanks to a collaboration of local and state government and sporting associations.

The $297,000 Wes Cheney Pavilion amenities upgrade included the replacement of all the internal and external walls and floors, re-nailing of roofing iron, installation of a new kitchen, upgrades to the change and shower rooms, as well as the construction of a new unisex toilet. A new awning and retaining wall were also constructed as part of the project.

The upgrade was funded in partnership by the NSW ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund ($100,000), Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund ($50,000), Parkes Shire Council (142,000) and Parkes & District Cricket Association ($5,000).

Speaking as the pavilion was launched last month, NSW acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the upgraded pavilion would make Woodward Oval one of the leading cricket facilities in Western NSW, explaining "the legacy from the T20 World Cup will really take shape across NSW as upgraded facilities and new cricket nets encourage future generations to enjoy the game.”

ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Chief Executive, Nick Hockley sees that the restored Pavilion will leave a lasting legacy in Parkes, adding "the Local Organising Committee is working with our partners, including the NSW Government and Cricket NSW, to ensure that hosting the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia has a lasting positive impact. We are thrilled that the NSW Government’s funding assisted with the restored pavilion at Woodward Oval, which will benefit the cricket community well beyond 2020.”

Built in 1959, the Pavilion has played host to some of the great moments in Parkes sport featuring athletics, hockey, cricket, cycling, football and both rugby codes.

In 2015, the building was named after the late Wesley Berry Cheney in recognition of his voluntary contributions to the Parkes' sporting community, as well as the development of public recreation facilities in Parkes and district.

Currently, the Wes Cheney Pavilion is home to 250 senior and 220 junior registered cricket players.

Parkes Shire Mayor and Sports Council Life Member Councillor Ken Keith noted "this project has delivered safe, modern facilities and enhanced accessibility (that) will ensure the ongoing attraction of local, regional and state cricket fixtures, as well as inclusive community participation in sport for both males and female players."

The NSW ICC T20 World Cup Legacy Fund will deliver up to $6 million dollars to local cricket clubs and councils to support the growth in cricket participation in NSW.

This project was one of 55 projects to receive $1.96 million in funding during Round 1 of the program.

For further information go to www.T20WorldCup.com

Images: The restored Wes Cheney Pavilion at Parkes' Woodward Oval (top) and stakeholders at the opening of the facility last month (below). Images courtesy of Parkes Shire Council/Parkes & District Cricket Association.

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