Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council received $97,655 from the NSW Government to insulate the squash centre, install cooling, upgrade lighting, replace carpets and install an accessible ramp.
The Riverina centre offers the only four-court facility for 90 kilometres and Cootamundra Squash Association President Graeme Johnson said the upgrades have been bringing in some big hitters since renovations were completed.
“We’ve hosted inter-town competitions and around 180 players from across the Riverina and
North East Victoria, it’s a wonderful place to come and play,” Mr Johnson said.
“I’m grateful for the efforts of our club members who aren’t just passionate players, but who’ve given their time and expertise to bring the courts to life.”
Cootamundra’s Squash Courts are more than 50 years old, and in their heyday the association had a membership of some 800 players who would travel from far and wide to play.
The much-loved courts narrowly dodged closure in the 1970s when they fell into disrepair, but a band of sports-loving locals came together, taking out a loan to upgrade the facility and save it from shutting, and the courts have been operated by volunteers ever since.
Local squash stalwart Peter Vesperman has been a member of the association for 40 years, including a stint as President, and he's one of the many locals who have rolled up their sleeves to help maintain this proud local institution.
“The renovation has completely exceeded expectations and made the centre into a comfortable environment to play sport in all year round,” Mr Vesperman said.
“Putting in false ceilings has reduced the noise transferring outside to the community and drastically reduced the heating and cooling energy required winter and summer.”
With squash now competing with other sports for players, the association is diversifying into hosting volleyball, pickleball, badminton and racquetball to keep the centre thriving for future generations.
The association is keen to hear from people who’d like to have a hit at squash, and they’re calling for more women and young people to take up the challenge and pick up a racquet.
Anyone interested in trying out squash can contact the Cootamundra Squash Association via their Facebook page.
