Cheney Oval Lighting Upgrade

Project typeGrant funded with co-contribution by Parkes Marists Junior League Club
Project value$285, 580
Project scheduleComplete
Contractor nameRees Lighting
Completion Date09 January 2026

The upgrade of the Cheney Oval sportsground lighting is the third major project for the oval. This project follows the successful completion of two major sporting infrastructure projects including substantial works to combat the salinity affecting the grounds and a new surface and supporting infrastructure on the Turf 1 field for Parkes Hockey.

Funding of $210,580 from the NSW Government, together with $75,000 from the Parkes Marist Junior League Club, will deliver a $285,580 upgrade of the Cheney Oval sportsground lighting. The project will see the installation of four new poles with 15 modern LED lights on the northern end of Cheney Oval, benefitting a range of sports including rugby league, touch football, hockey and cricket.

The lights will also increase use of the oval and enable safer evening training sessions when it's cooler during summer.

The plan below demonstrates that the proposed lighting complies with all obtrusive lighting standards, with minimal light spill to neighbouring residences. The thin blue line around the layout represents the accepted threshold for light spill.

Project Update

Project completed in December 2025.

Tender process finalised and contractor engaged
Contract executed and design confirmed
Project program confirmed
Poles and lights ordered
Foundation cages installed
Trenching and conduits installed
Four light poles installed and related civil works completed
Lights installed, connected to mains, connected to Halytech SMS controller, LUX testing completed
Commissioning and project completion

The upgrade will improve safety and visibility across the area, with completion expected in the coming months.

Stage 2 Completed - February 2026

Rees Lighting replaced the remaining metal halide lights with modern LED lighting, ensuring all lights across the oval are now the same high quality standard. The team also completed Lux testing and made final adjustments to get the oval ready for use by multiple sporting codes. Cheney Oval will now benefit rugby league, touch football, hockey and cricket with improved visibility, safety and energy efficiency.

Cheney Oval Rehabilitation

Funded by the NSW Government ($740,467) and Parkes Shire Council ($371,204), this $1.11 million project has delivered the final stage of critical rehabilitation works at Cheney Oval. This project addressed significant salinity and drainage issues that had made parts of the oval unusable, with a comprehensive subsoil drainage system and surface remediation now complete. Cheney Park is home to the Parkes Pumas Touch Association and regularly hosts regional and state championships.

Turf 1 Hockey Field Redevelopment

Delivered with $2.23 million in funding from the NSW Government and $250,000 from Parkes Hockey Inc, the $2.48 million Turf 1 project marks the first stage of a broader $3 million hockey facility upgrade.
The redevelopment included the removal of the old surface and full installation of a new playing field, ensuring Parkes Hockey’s more than 600 members, including State and National representatives, have access to a modern, high-quality venue.