The trust received the Crown Reserve Community Trust Award for 2012 of $5000 which was used to construct a new entrance to the showground and park.

The gates stand as a testament to all the people that have worked for the park in one way or another since it was purchased by the people of Gresford in the early 1920s.

A development application was submitted to Dungog Council for the works which were completed earlier this year.

Trust president Robert Richardson said the opening marks the culmination of a project that has been present in the minds of the trust for a number of years.

“It provides an inviting and pleasing entrance to our park, which for visitors to the area, starts what we hope will be a pleasant and lasting experience of our region.”

Trust secretary Rosemary Wall was acknowledged by Mr Richardson as the person who really drives the trust and provides the knowledge and initiative that allows them to provide the amenities that they are so proud.

Mrs Wall said there are around 1100 people in the Gresford planning district.

“Six of them are trustees of the Gresford Recreation Park and Showground and the other 1094 are volunteers, supporters or patrons of the grounds and the various ground users,” she said.

“The Trust has also been very fortunate to have an extraordinary level of support from many government agencies and representatives over the years including the staff at Maitland Lands Office, in particular the Trusts liaison Peter Allen, the Hon John Price AM retired State member for Maitland, the Hon George Souris, retired State member for Upper Hunter, the current State Member Michael Johnsen and the Hon Bob Baldwin, current Federal member for Paterson.”

Prior to cutting one of the ribbons, Mr Johnsen announced two grants from the state government.

“The $33,762 is for the Trust to use for the installation of a new shower block with an additional four showers and the upgrading of the existing shower system.

“This will provide a constant and on-demand hot water supply and finally to upgrade the septic facilities to provide a greater holding capacity to cope with peak visitation times,” he said.

“Paterson River Pony Club will also receive $30,645 to obtain and install and all-weather spectator and competitor viewing and observation grandstand.

“This will provide a safe and protected area adjacent to the campdraft competition area for instruction and training sessions and for observation during general competitions.”

The gates were formally opened by Mr Johnsen and Karen Hancock who represented the Commonwealth Bank who were sponsors of the Crown Reserve Community Trust Award.