Park yourself in this inner city oasis

Sydneysiders and students will have more places to exercise and relax at Camperdown’s Victoria Park when major improvements are unveiled next weekend.

On the corner of Parramatta and City roads, the 9.2-hectare city oasis has new table tennis and picnic areas, a netball practice court, wide paths to the University of Sydney campus and lighting for major events.

A new plant wetland and natural filtration system has been installed in the park’s lake to improve water quality.

“This makeover will ensure Victoria Park continues to be a treasured space for sport, relaxation and entertainment in the heart of our city,” the Lord Mayor said.

“As our population grows, central green spaces where Sydneysiders can meet, unwind and exercise are more precious than ever, so we are doing what we can to improve these places for recreation and relaxation.”

The City’s latest upgrades include:

a netball practice court and table tennis tables extra lighting for pathways and major events more paths to improve access to the University of Sydney picnic tables and a barbecue more accessible park entry points on city road garden beds and trees stormwater pollution traps and a recirculation system in Lake Northam a bio-retention zone and wetland to clean and filter stormwater runoff in the lake.

Gazetted as a park in 1870, Victoria Park was designed by Charles Moore, director of the Botanic Gardens. It is home to a popular public swimming pool and its heritage features include the Gardener’s Lodge and entrance gates.

Lake Northam, to the north of the park, is a remnant of Blackwattle Creek, a tidal watercourse that once extended from Glebe to Redfern and Waterloo. In the 19th century, it was called the ‘university waterhole’, the ‘horse pond’ or the ‘old dam’. In the 1960s, the lake was named after Sir William Herbert Northam, a City of Sydney alderman.

Today the park is a popular walking route and hosts events, including Yabun Festival, an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures held on 26 January, and Fair Day, a family and dog-friendly fundraiser for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

In 2000, the park was the site of an Aboriginal Tent Embassy to raise awareness about Indigenous issues.

“The City’s improvements make it easier and safer for students to get to university, give the city an even better venue for major events, like Yabun Festival, and provide local wildlife with a more inviting habitat,” the Lord Mayor said.

“In my own university days I enjoyed eating my lunch under the big beautiful fig trees while working at Fisher Library.

“This major upgrade for Victoria Park will ensure it remains a popular spot for local residents, students and visitors.”

Victoria Park launch When: 11am to 1pm, Saturday 30 June Where: Victoria Park, Parramatta Road, Broadway What: The Lord Mayor will officially launch the upgrades at 11.30am. There will be music and free gelato and coffee at the event.

For media inquiries or images, contact Roxanne Macara, Senior Media Advisor. Phone mobile 0438 554 640 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, please contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email [email protected]