The renovation of the Stephen Davies (Turf 1) hockey field in Parkes, undertaken by the Parkes Shire Council at a cost of $3 million, has been successfully completed. This refurbishment has transformed the field into a state-of-the-art facility, providing the local hockey community with an outstanding venue. The upgraded field solidifies Parkes’ position as a prominent sports hub in the region, capable of hosting a variety of regional, state, and national hockey events.
The project was executed in two stages, with Stage 1 involving the removal of the old pitch surface, installation of new drainage, site preparation, and field resurfacing. Stage 2 focused on the installation of a wet play turf irrigation system, water buffering tanks, a new surrounding fence, and modern LED lighting.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, conveyed her confidence that the enhancements will establish Parkes as a premier hockey destination in regional NSW. Emphasizing the draw of the location for competition hockey, Minister Moriarty expressed her optimism about the revamped facilities being eagerly utilized by players of all ages from the region and beyond.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, highlighted the substantial economic impact the new pitch will contribute to the town. Noting the economic benefits of hosting events of similar scale, Cr Westcott shared the positive impact on the local visitor economy. He also emphasized the potential for the upgraded Turf 1 to provide opportunities for high-level achievement in the sport for athletes in rural areas, as well as improved physical and mental health outcomes for the entire community.
It is worth mentioning that the Stephen Davies Field, also known as Turf 1, was originally constructed in 1992 as Parkes’ first synthetic pitch. This development was in recognition of the local players’ participation in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, and the facility is housed at the Cheney-McGlynn Sports Complex.
The project was made possible through joint funding by the NSW Government and Parkes Hockey Inc, showcasing a collaborative effort to promote sports and recreational activities in the area. This upgraded facility will undoubtedly provide both the local community and visiting teams with a world-class playing experience, benefiting all parties involved.