WODONGA Bulldogs are winning a race against time to have a long overdue $500,000 upgrade of their changerooms at Martin Park completed in time for the start of the Ovens and Murray Football-Netball League season on April 1.
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Fears a late start to the project could put the Bulldogs' first two home matches including a highly-anticipated Sunday fixture against reigning premier Albury in jeopardy have been allayed.
The club's changerooms have been earmarked for redevelopment for more than a decade with Wodonga Council and in-kind support from the club bankrolling the project.
The council's sports and recreation officer, Nigel Cunningham, is co-ordinating the project which will provide unisex changerooms and player amenities.
Umpires' facilities have been added which will eliminate them being required to use the changerooms at the adjoining Les Cheesley Oval.
“It has provided the opportunity to reconfigure the layout to improve storage, gym and coaching rooms to support the club’s operations and make better use of the available space,” Mr Cunningham said.
“The works have included the demolition and rebuilding of a new accessible toilet block for users, spectators and visitors to the precinct.
“The council has been working closely with the club as the key facility user to ensure the development meets their requirements and the club has provided in-kind support for the project.”
The back-to-back home matches will be a crucial early season money-spinner for the Bulldogs who along with Wodonga Raiders suffered financially when they both played at home on five occasions last season.
Two clashes have been avoided in the 2017 draw by clubs hosting Sunday matches.
The Bulldogs will also host the O and M-Goulburn Valley inter-league clash in May.
Bulldogs' president Chris Jackson said the club's previous board led by Steve Murphy did a great job with council in scoping the works and securing funding.
The club has contributed to demolition works, painting and floor coverings.
“Council is project managing and, through regular meetings with them, we are confident the new rooms will be available for our round-one game against Wang Rovers,” Mr Jackson said.