Wareena Park Oval Upgrade

The Rural City of Wangaratta has engaged Gordon Gibson Nominees Pty Ltd for the reconstruction of Wareena Park Oval, Swan Street Wangaratta.

The reconstruction works will include improved drainage and a new automatic irrigation system. Works will also include new infrastructure, including perimeter fence, AFL posts, synthetic cricket pitch, coach’s boxes and concrete pads. This need was identified in the development of the 2020 Wareena Park Masterplan. The funding for this project of $600,000 has been provided by the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure fund.

Works will commence on the week starting 14 October 2024. Completion is expected by end of April 2025.

Works program includes:

Removal of existing oval fence and erection of temporary fencing
Removal of cricket pitch and goal post
Surveying, stripping, levelling, and reforming the oval
New sub soil drainage and irrigation system
New cricket pitch and sand subgrade in preparation for turf
Laying Santa Ana sand back turf rolls
Installation of chain mesh boundary fence, spoon drain and goal post
Laser levelling and oval preparation
Irrigation and sprinklers will be raised and set into position and commissioned
Turf to be laid and an extended period of time allowed for establishment of the turf before usage can resume

Note - Access to Wareena Park Pavilion, carpark, toilets, dump point, and the former bowls club facility will remain clear for the public and user groups.

May Update:

The turf is now well established assisted by the recent warm weather. Over Easter, the oval was over sown with Rye grass which will give the oval a green appearance over winter months whilst the Santa Ana is dormant.

This week, the oval was cut for the first time and will receive a second cut this Friday or Monday, mowing is likely to continue twice a week to bring the grass height down to a playing level.
Fertilising will take place every second week and watering will continue throughout May and into June as required.
Any depressions will be top dressed, and adjustment of low sprinklers will take place this week as required.

External landscaping works have commenced, these works include granitic sand pathways against the fence, irrigation, improved spectator viewing points and mounds, installation of recycled bollards, and improved access off Roy Street.

Photos taken in early May 2025: