THE makeover of a Millicent sporting facility is nearing with Wattle Range Council calling tenders for the upgrading of the clubrooms at Bolton Oval.
The facilities were erected in the 1970s and Wattle Range Council earmarked more than $100,000 for major renovations in its 2017/18 budget.
The funds were carried over into the current financial year.
Tenders for the work close on December 4.
If all goes to plan, the brick building will be re-roofed, gutters will be replaced, the kitchen upgraded and a disabled toilet installed.
Showers will be installed as well as separate facilities for female competitors.
The Millicent Bandits Baseball Club has spearheaded the need for an upgrade of the Bolton Oval facilities for several years.
Club president Michael Pink said the baseballers would make a major financial contribution to the project.
Mr Pink said he expected the work would be completed by the time the 2019/20 season starts next October.
At its height in the 1980s, Bolton Oval was used by the cricketers, softballers, tennis players and hockey players.
Hocky and softball have gone into recess in Millicent while the numbers playing cricket and tennis have declined dramatically.
They can be accommodated entirely at the new McLaughlin Park courts and its two ovals.
The Millicent Bandits Baseball Club has a membership of up to 100 and fields two senior and two underage teams over the summer months in the Mount Gambier association.
Several years ago, council had a vision of all Millicent’s sporting codes being co-located at an upgraded McLaughlin Park.
Tennis has left the Ridge Terrace and North Terrace courts and joined the football, netball, soccer, basketball and cricket codes there.
However, the baseballers remained at Bolton Oval as it needed the space for two diamonds.
The sporting ground honours the memory of post-war Millicent sporting identity Fred Bolton.
After a successful career with SANFL clubs North Adelaide and South Adelaide, Mr Bolton continued to star with the Millicent Football Club and in the Mid South East Football League.
He is also fondly remembered in Millicent for his long and dedicated service as an underage coach.
As a result, new entrance gates were built in his memory around 25 years ago.
