Accessible and inclusive facilities feature in Ron Payne Park’s new sport clubhouse

A new clubhouse with accessible and inclusive facilities was officially unveiled on 4th May at Ron Payne Park, North Epping. The new clubhouse is aimed at promoting diversity in community sport through its modern facilities which include two sets of change rooms with showers and safe, individual unisex and accessible public toilets.

In recent years, Hornsby Shire Council has seen an accelerated growth in female participation in sports such as football and cricket across the Shire, and updated facilities such as these support this growth.

The facilities also feature a new canteen, three storerooms and a first aid room, providing a better experience for users the North Epping Rangers, who use the park for soccer in the winter season, and the Epping Bulls, who play junior cricket there in summer. Its sustainability features include a solar hot water system and storage tanks for rainwater reuse. 

The project was delivered thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the NSW Government and Council’s 7.11 Developer Contributions.

The clubhouse was opened by Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock, Craig Denyer, President of the North Epping Rangers and Jerome Laxale MP, Federal Member for Bennelong, with Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra in attendance.

Hornsby Shire Mayor Ruddock said the new amenities would be a major benefit for the area noting “Hornsby Shire Council recognises the importance of community sport to its residents, contributing to both their psychical and mental wellbeing. The investment into this new facility will be of great benefit to the area, providing opportunities for people of all levels and abilities to take part.

“We thank the NSW Government for its contribution to this project, supporting essential infrastructure for leisure and sport for our growing community.”.

Denyer (pictured above) talked about the significance of the new facility to its members and added “North Epping Rangers is a community that brings thousands of local people together through their interest in sport. Not just the players and coaches, but their families and friends.

“It is these facilities and amenities that enhance the experience of our club members. Better experiences equal higher member retention and higher new member enrolments.”

Along with the new building, this project also saw Hornsby Shire Council complete upgrades to the paths, oval fencing and car park at the Ron Payne Park.

Last year, Council completed a new biofiltration basin on the site to filter stormwater drainage.  This cleans the water before it enters the national park.  Further works to improve the oval drainage and irrigation using filtered stormwater are planned for the end of the 2024 winter sports season. These upgrades are partly funded by NSW Football Legacy Fund.

For further information about the upgrades at Ron Payne Park visit https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/noticeboard/works/park-playspace-projects/ron-payne-park-amenities

Images from top: Hornsby Shire Mayor the Hon Philip Ruddock AO, Craig Denyer, President of the North Epping Rangers and Jerome Laxale MP, Federal Member for Bennelong, with Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra open the new facilities; People gather for the opening of the new accessible facilities at Ron Payne Park, North Epping; Craig Denyer, President of the North Epping Rangers; The new accessible facilities at Ron Payne Park, North Epping