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There’s been a lot of good nature news for Sydney over the past few weeks. Last month, plans for a new national park three times the size of Centennial Parklands dropped, then the City of Parramatta revealed a major upgrade to the city’s walking and cycling network. Now, the NSW Government has unveiled the final design for a major makeover of a beloved pocket of green in West Ryde, with Anzac Park set for a $6 million transformation. According to the NSW Government, the 90-year-old park will be upgraded with new walking paths, expanded picnic facilities and a dedicated fitness zone, with a focus on preserving the ANZAC memorial at its centre.
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The revamp (informed by more than 300 community submissions across two rounds of public consultation) is designed to help the heritage-listed park keep pace with Ryde's rapidly growing population. The final masterplan includes upgraded walking paths, new seating and shaded areas, improved barbecues, a new entrance, a modern accessible “amenities block”, community spaces and an outdoor fitness area. Planning Minister Paul Scully said the project will ensure West Ryde has the kind of public green space needed to support thousands of new homes in the works in the area.
"Projects like this help existing and future residents have access to the quality green spaces that make neighbourhoods great places to live," he said.
The Anzac Park upgrade forms part of the NSW Government's mega investment in parks and public spaces, which includes $520 million earmarked for open space and active transport in transport-oriented development precincts (aka: housing developments close to new transport links), alongside funding for new parks, sports fields, swim spots and town squares across the state.
Construction on the revamped Anzac Park is expected to wrap up in 2028.