While the Crookwell Memorial Oval complex and gymnasium was completed in September 2019, the facilities remain unnamed and mostly unused.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The new building, houses a gymnasium, locker rooms, bathrooms, canteen and storage rooms, and has doubled as offices for Upper Lachlan Shire Council staff during the Covid-19 pandemic to adhere to social distancing rules.
Sporting teams, including the Crookwell Rugby League, as well as the Crookwell Rugby Union clubs, both pulled out of the 2020 season, and the million-dollar facility went unused by gymnasium clubs.
Councillors started the process for naming the facilities, which will first bring up a report and policy document created following the naming of the Dame Mary Gilmore Bridge at Pat Cullen Reserve.
A consultation process will follow firstly with the council, then with the public, possibly requesting further submissions for all of the facilities.
Members of the Crookwell Barbell Club began proceedings with correspondence to the council, which was tabled at the October meeting for the adoption of the name the Robert Bruce Belford Gymnasium. They also requested a perpetual plaque be erected in the gymnasium.
Mr Belford, at 91-years-old, formed the Crookwell Barbell Club in the 1960s and remained club president until 2006. In the 1980s, Mr Belford and members of the Crookwell Rugby League Club built the original complex, which was recently upgraded.
"Bruce had an impressive record achieving Australian and NSW middle heavyweight championships, and several national and state powerlifting records.
"He inspired others to train with him," members of the Barbell Club stated.
The club's current members said the sentiment for Mr Belford's guidance and mentorship was shared by many. His legacy has recently prompted a benefactor to step forward to offer the club financial support to reopen the gymnasium.
A report is expected to be tabled at the next council meeting before suggestions for naming the facilities will be put on public exhibition.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
