Orange's new enclosed sports court at Moulder Park is already attracting a steady stream of users.
To be officially opened today and named the 'Bob Russell Sports Court', the $280,000 facility is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Orange City Council.
The project is a 30-metre by 17-metre multipurpose court includes line-marking for recreational games of basketball, futsal (indoor football), cricket and other activities, surrounded by a tall galvanized steel mesh fence. The perimeter fence is two metres tall at the sides and three metres tall at the ends.
The new court replaces one of the former netball courts that haven't been used since netball moved to the Anzac Park sports complex.
STRONG SUPPORT: Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Orange City Councillors and members of the Russell family cut the ribbon to officially open the Bob Russell Sports Court.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling is pleased to see the court being used.
"Moulder Park is used every day by Orange residents for a range of fitness and recreation needs, from bike riding to dog walking. This enclosed court is already making a fantastic contribution as a place for informal games," Cr Jason Hamling said.
"It's a great option for people who want to have a run around during their lunch hour or play a quick game on the weekend or after work.
"Orange City Council is pleased to be working in partnership with the Federal Government to deliver this fantastic new venue."
Independent Member for Calare, Mr Andrew Gee said the project had been supported with a $105,397 Federal Government grant through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
"Orange residents love their sport, so it's fantastic that locals can now bend it like Beckham, shoot some hoops, practice their batting and bowling, or pick up a game of pickleball at this new and improved multipurpose sports court!" said Mr Gee.
"It's great that the Australian Government chipped in more than $100,000 to transform the former and unused Moulder Park netball courts into a top-notch sports facility for the entire community to enjoy. The terrific improvements to the site will encourage people of all ages to get active, boosting their physical health, wellbeing, and connection to their community," Mr Gee said.
Orange City Council's Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh welcomes the new court and its name.
"The open spaces in Moulder Park are very convenient for nearby schools to use and this new court is going to be a great addition. I am pleased we can have a place to remember the many contributions that Bob Russell made to local sport over so many years," Cr Greenhalgh said.
Orange City Council awarded the construction tender for the project to specialist sports facility construction company, Play by Design. The Sydney firm used a local sub-contractor for part of the project.
Council's 6 December 2023 meeting decided to name the new court after a stalwart of the local sporting community, Bob Russell. Mr Russell operated a sporting goods store in Summer Street for many years and supported many local sporting clubs.
The sports court was jointly funded by the Australian Government's Local Roads, Community and Infrastructure program ($105,397) and Orange City Council ($175,000).
