The park is currently experiencing issues with high salt levels which is causing the playing field to be scalded.

Parkes Shire Council's Director of Infrastructure Andrew Francis said: "We have engaged soil specialists and drainage designers to develop solutions to mitigate future instances of the salt scalding".

"The proposed solution is to repair the North section of Cheney Park from Station Street to the Newell Highway.

"The scope of works includes the bulk removal of the current salt affected soil and re-building of the area, the installation of sub surface slit drains along the playing surface to mitigate saline build up in the soil and flush out to collection sumps and the installation of new turf on the playing surface.

READ MORE NEWS STORIES:

- Boost for tertiary students as Country Universities Centre opens

- Trundle Pink Ribbon Night raises more than $14,000 despite pandemic

- Council working hard to keep people safe on the road this harvest

"The rehabilitation works have commenced this week and is expected to take 4-6 weeks to complete, with the anticipated close out in January 2021."

Parkes Shire Councillor Louise O'Leary said, the project will ensure Council is able to implement adequate and sustainable measures to rehabilitate the playing surface and to reinstate Cheney Park as a premier sporting facility.

"The upgrades to the current drainage and irrigation systems will prevent further degradation and will ensure the salinity issue at Cheney Park is rectified, while also improving the sporting field turf quality, encouraging the return of sporting and recreational activities."

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the project, which is being funded by NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, will deliver critical rehabilitation works and improve the overall experience of Cheney Oval, one of the major sporting precincts in Parkes.

"It will allow the oval to continue to comfortably host regional and state level touch football and hockey championships, which is a great way to attract visitors to the region," Mr Farraway said.

"Rehabilitating Cheney Oval is exactly the kind of project the NSW Government's Stronger Country Community Fund is designed to deliver, and I commend Parkes Shire Council on their commitment to this important project."

Local contractors are being engaged to deliver the works supported by Council operations crews. No road closures or access to neighbouring properties is anticipated to be required.

Hours of works will be maintained within 7am - 5pm weekdays and 8am - 1pm Saturdays.

No work is to be completed on Sundays or Public Holidays.