Residents in Victoria and Philip streets were upset they were not consulted before the Woodward Oval work began on the new practice nets.

While the nets have been somewhat controversial, there is no question of the legacy MacDonald left on Parkes Cricket. 

The Duncan McDonald Foundation continues to do great work for junior cricket in Parkes and the surrounding areas, helping with a wide range of issues from infrastructure development to helping under-privileged players with representative costs.

MacDonald was one of central west’s premier cricketers with both bat and ball.

He could be relied upon to score solid runs for his sides and then decimate opposition line ups with the ball.

Construction of the nets was originally undertaken at a cost of more than $76,000. 

That consisted of a $25,000 Capital Grant from NSW Sport and Recreation, $15,000 from Cricket NSW, $15,000 from Parkes Junior and Senior Cricket Associations and $21,425 from Parkes Shire Council.

Costs have risen coinciding with changes to the initial plans.

The official opening will involve dignitaries including Member for Orange Andrew Gee and Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith.

The Duncan MacDonald Cricket Nets will provide an excellent practice facility for Parkes cricketers for years to come.