Three fields at the complex all now have substantial in-field drainage and an efficient irrigation system. The work will also include new goal posts, fencing, lighting and player benches.

Bathurst District Football president Andrew Speed said the redevelopment of Proctor Park had been a long time coming. 

“It’s gone on for a couple of years now and the work has been going on from the end of last season,” he said.

“To get to this stage, it’s great. We’re right on schedule to start play in May.”

Prior to the redevelopment beginning, Proctor Park had been prone to flooding and suffering water-logged pitches. 

However, thanks to the new drainage system, the once common problem will be a distant memory for the complex.

Mr Speed said everyone in the Bathurst football community is keen to test out the new fields.

With over 2000 registered players, each of Proctor Park’s fields would have up to five games on a Saturday and five on a Sunday.

It is expected the turf will take eight weeks to bed.

The turf that has been laid is legend couch grass and it was specially grown in Dubbo. It will be dormant during winter, with rye grass to be sown over to keep the grass green in the colder months.

The redevelopment of Proctor Park is apart of Bathurst Regional Council’s master plan for the ongoing staged development of the football complex, in consultation with Bathurst District Football.

The master plan identifies significant capital investment to the future growth and development of football in the Bathurst community and wider region.

Due to the field reconstruction works, Proctor Park will provide the Bathurst community with football fields that conform to national standards, with the ability to cope with higher usage. 

Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said this is just the first stage of the council’s master plan.

“We’re really happy about the whole operation,” he said.

“There has been issues in the past before [at Proctor Park]. The fields weren’t drained at all.

“For many years, boys and girls played soccer out here and often it had to be postponed. 

“The fields use to get boggy. This won’t happen. There’s drainage installed and it’s just a wonderful achievement. Well done to everyone involved.” 

The three fields may not be ready for the start of the senior competition in April but is expected to ready for the junior competition which starts in May.