Charlotte Varcoe
SMOOTHER road access and improved wheelchair facilities are among proposed upgrades to Rymill Hall car park.
Wattle Range Council is currently seeking community feedback on a plan to improve site’s car park, which a Penola Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society spokesperson has labelled as dangerous in its current state.
Among the proposed works include repairs to a number of potholes and uneven surfaces around the hall while site drainage and guest access to the hall and newly-installed Warner Pavilion Shed will also be improved.
Council stated the proposed design would improve the surface, maximise parking and increase pedestrian safety.
Show society secretary Kathy Fennell said the improvements would be a wonderful addition to the area following a string of upgrades within the site.
“It will be much easier for cattle trucks to enter the area during the show as there will be a lot more room,” Ms Fennell said.
“From the plan we were given there will also be a storage shed on the south-western side of the facilities that the society can share with other sporting groups.”
Ms Fennell said the society backed the proposed upgrades, labelling the current state of the car park as dangerous.
“There are bits of road hanging out and bumps all around,” she said.
“It is no wonder someone has not fallen over yet, but the drains also need to be fixed.”
The project follows the demolition of the 60-year-old Warner Pavilion Shed and construction of a new fully-powered replacement venue, which was used heavily during the Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering held earlier this year.
Ms Fennell said the improved shed would be an important addition to the McCorquindale Park space as it supplied cover during the winter months.
“During the show the petting zoo will be held there and some of the cattle will also be hosted there,” she said.
“We will also be able to have some agricultural equipment on display as well.”
It is hoped the new facility would also be used by a number of community markets.
Ms Fennell said the society was eager to use the new pavilion and extend its community use.
“It can be used for the sports clubs if they wanted to train undercover and really it is open to anyone,” Ms Fennell said.
“We do charge a hire fee for those outside the McCorquindale Park members but it is available for event hire.”
Council is inviting public comment on its proposed Rymill Hall car park upgrade until June 9.
Construction will not start until a budget has been allocated.
Visit www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au for more information.
