The money will go towards everything from grandstand and field upgrades to improved infrastructure and lighting.

Member for the Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen made the announcement at Scone Park on Sunday during a rugby league community get together as part of the Men of League Foundation’s tour of drought-stricken New South Wales.

RELATED: Men of League bring their Tackling the Drought Tour to Coolah, Merriwa and Scone 

Murrurundi’s Wilson Memorial Oval is set to receive the biggest upgrade with $526,000 in funding set aside, followed by Merriwa Skate Park with $291,329 promised, while Scone Park will receive a $243,750 upgrade.

“I think there’s about $2.25 million all up for the local Upper Hunter shire,” Mr Johnsen said. 

“The state government has a program in place called Stronger Country Communities.

“There is a pool of money for each local government area, and there has been a number of projects submitted and I’m pleased to say that a number of projects have been successful.

“It’s often difficult to maintain such a huge area of parks and sports fields and lets not forget that in the Upper Hunter shire we actually have a huge range of sporting and recreational grounds in comparison to our population and the cost and the upkeep of that can be quite significant. 

“So these grants are going to go a long way.”

Wilson Memorial Oval Facilities Upgrade $526,000

Scone Park Field Upgrade $243,750

Harrison Oval Upgrade $137,600

Merriwa Skate Park Upgrade $291,329

Gundy Soldiers Memorial Hall Restoration $59,515

Amaroo Park Toilet Facility $88,028

Jefferson Park Facility Upgrade $124,229

Merriwa Oval Upgrade $261,000

Merriwa Showground Facilities Upgrade $185,000

Scone Gymnastics Centre Refurbishment $164,370

St Andrews Reserve Arena Upgrade $154,841

Upper Hunter Swimming Pool Shade Sails $24,685