THE $1.6 million upgrade to the Cressy Recreation Ground has been completed and was officially opened on March 24 by Northern Midlands Council Mayor Mary Knowles and Lyons Labor MHR Brian Mitchell.
The council contributed more than $708,000 and received more than $354,000 from a Levelling the Playing Field grant which has enabled the installation of female-friendly change rooms and umpire facilities.
As the home ground of the Cressy Bulldogs Cricket Club, the club had tried to set up a women’s team last season, and had a female player in one of the squads early in the season, but was unsuccessful in attracting enough players.
It is hoped that the upgrade will be a step towards attracting more female players and officials and it is expected to be used by Longford, Evandale and Perth football and cricket clubs when their ovals are being upgraded.
The car park, lighting, storage, an overnight camping area and a RV dump point at the Macquarie Street oval have also been added or improved.