What’s in a name? A review of Wagga's sportsground signage

Published: 16 Oct 2020 9:35am

The naming signage at Wagga Wagga’s sportsgrounds will be reviewed, with the aim of identifying ways to improve recognition of the history of those names.

At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday night (12 October 2020), Wagga Wagga City Council endorsed the development of a report into existing signage and how any new signage can provide acknowledgement of the history of the venue’s name.

Council’s General Manager Peter Thompson said concern had been expressed by the community that over time an explanation for why a particular sports field had been named after an individual could be lost.

“Wagga is widely known as an extraordinary breeding ground for elite sporting identities, and the city has, for a long time, had the practice of recognising those individuals by naming sports fields after them,” Mr Thompson said.

“I think it’s probably quite interesting for people to go to a sportsground and learn about the history of the particular individual who’s lent their name to that field.

“This report will discuss how we might be able to embellish the signs with more information to recognise the influence of these people on the city.”

The signage at the Mark Taylor, Michael Slater and Geoff Lawson ovals at the Bolton Park complex were put up as examples of what Council is hoping to achieve.

Mr Thompson said it was also suggested the signage could include an interactive element, which would allow people to download additional information via their mobile device.