Update on French Fields progress

Construction on a new $700,000 amenities building at Wagga’s home of softball is on track for completion in early December, with block work expected to wrap up early next week.

When finished, the facility at French Fields will be 200sqm in size and feature a modern kiosk, meeting room, toilets, male and female change rooms, separate umpires’ rooms and four storage areas.

“Once the block work is finished, then the structural steel will go up on the roof,” Wagga Wagga City Council’s Project Coordinator Adrian Inglis said.

“This is a really exciting development. The wider softball community was desperately in need of this new building.

“When it’s done, it’s going to make a huge difference to the sport’s ability to grow and operate.”

The new amenities building is part of a $1.2M facelift of the French Fields sporting precinct, which also includes a lighting upgrade, car park improvements and an entire overhaul of the complex’s stormwater system.

“We’ve finished the stormwater work on the field complex, which means the contractor is now able to connect the stormwater to the amenities building,” Mr Inglis said.

“Previously the amenities block had no stormwater system. When it rained, it was like a flooding river coming down the slope. This new system is going to greatly improve the overall drainage.”

Council is working hard to minimise disruption to the Wagga Softball Association’s regular competitions, which got underway with the first round of the men’s season on Monday night.

“We’ve set up a mobile toilet block and temporary canteen which will remain at the ground for the next five to six weeks,” Mr Inglis said.

“We’re doing a few minor adjustments to make sure everything is right to go for the start of the women’s competition.”

Wagga Softball Association president Amanda Wenham said the facility’s stunning transformation is generating enormous excitement through the wider sporting fraternity, injecting a huge boost in morale.

“Everybody is extremely excited to see the final outcome,” she said.

“We provide regular updates through our social media channels and they always receive really positive feedback.”

The lighting upgrade is already improving the association’s ability to facilitate it’s Monday night men’s competition.

“There was great feedback from the men on Monday night, who thought the quality of the lighting was outstanding,” she said.

“They can’t wait to play under them a bit more.

“It’s also the first time I’ve seen them on game quality… they were exceptional.”

The 2019/20 Women’s A grade competition opens with a highly anticipated grand final rematch between reigning premiers South Wagga Warriors and the Saints and a showdown between Turvey Park’s two, top tier line-ups.

A contract to complete the sporting precinct’s much-needed car park upgrade is currently out to tender.