THE VISION for the village of O’Connell to have its very own recreation ground is moving closer to becoming a reality.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole joined members of the local community on Saturday for a sod turning ceremony to mark the official start of the program of major earthworks to transform the former paddock into a venue for any number of activities.
Heavy machinery rolled onto the site near the corner of Beaconsfield and O’Connell Roads late last week, with construction getting into full swing this week.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the NSW Government was giving funding support to the million dollar initiative being undertaken by Oberon Council.
“Several years ago Oberon Council purchased a considerable parcel of land in the village for the purpose of developing a recreation ground,” he said.
“A timber post and rail fence has already been installed to mark out the parcel of land that will become the recreation ground.
“It’s an exciting time for the local community as a recreation ground could host any number of special events and functions that have the potential to bring people from far and wide to O’Connell which is a central venue between Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon.”
Mr Toole said the recreation ground is going to include a cricket oval in the middle of the ground as well as amenities and under cover areas.
“O’Connell has a growing community and with more and more people opting for a rural and semi-rural lifestyle, establishing a recreation ground in the village is something that has been talked about for a number of years,” he said.
Oberon Deputy Mayor Andrew McKibbin said the project is a result of the local community coming together to determine what type of facility would be of most benefit to the village.
“We wanted as many people to have their say and that was achieved with several meetings where there was some debate, but the outcome and ultimate plan is one that everyone agreed upon,” he said.