The sport of squash in Parkes is no longer in any danger of having to move or find new premises.
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The Parkes Services and Citizens Club has responded to community concerns about the sport’s future and announced there would be no closure of the courts.
And the Services Club also plans to paint and fix up the four existing courts to boot.
Several years ago, the Board announced plans for extensions above the existing courts, and gave the Squash Club four years to find another location.
This meant possibly the end of the sport in Parkes, as there was nowhere for them to go - and they certainly did not have the money to build new premises.
There was somewhat of a community backlash as the sport has some 300 members (including volley squash) aged up to 78 years.
Squash Club members have been working for the past 12 months to try and have the decision changed and the Services Club board has listened to their points of view.
A meeting last month between the Board and the Squash members finally delivered the good news.
The Services Club has shelved plans to expand and said squash could continue as it has always done.
Services Secretary Manager, Denis Lane said the club had also agreed to fix up the courts to the condition they should be.
‘At the present time, they are a bit of an embarrasment. After all, they are an asset of the club, but very little work has been carried out in the past couple of decades.
‘We are getting quotes to paint the courts in a special surface which they require, and also do other work to make them something we can be proud of.
‘The Parkes Squash Club has an outstanding record in NSW squash circles, and regularly attracts top players from all over the state. It is appropriate we showcase something which does the sport, the club and the town justice.
‘The Board was happy to be able to listen and then act on the Squash Club’s concerns.’
Squash Club members, Fay Blackstock and Jeff Page were thrilled with the news.
‘The Services Club Board has been very gracious and this is a wonderful result,’ Jeff said.
‘We have more than 300 members, there are competitions going all year round for men and women of all ages - it is a very popular sport. So it is a huge relief to know it will continue to prosper. We are absolutely delighted.’
A new squash competition starts next Monday.
