Birchgrove Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Birchgrove Park |
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Birchgrove Park, in 2013
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| Type | Urban park and sports ground |
| Location | The Terrace, Birchgrove, Inner West Council, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Created | 1881 |
| Operated by | Inner West Council |
| Status | Open all year |
| Surface | Grass |
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Birchgrove Park is a cool park and sports field in Birchgrove, Sydney, Australia. It's right by the water of Sydney Harbour! Inside the park, you'll find Birchgrove Oval. This oval is super important for sports history. It was once the main place for the Sydney Cricket Club. It's also famous as the first home ground for the Balmain Tigers rugby league team.
History of Birchgrove Park
Birchgrove Park was created in 1881. The NSW Government bought some land to make a public recreation area. This area was first called the Birchgrove Recreation Ground. It later became the park we know today.
Birchgrove Oval and Rugby League
Birchgrove Oval is known as the 'birthplace' of rugby league in Australia. This is because it hosted the very first professional rugby league matches in 1908. It was a huge moment for the sport!
In 2008, the oval hosted a special event. It was the official launch of the 2008 NRL season. This celebrated 100 years of rugby league in Australia. It showed how important Birchgrove Oval is to the sport's history.
Other Sports at the Park
Besides rugby league, Australian rules football also has a history at Birchgrove Park. Matches for the NSWFA (New South Wales Football Association) were played here from 1903 to 1926.
The Balmain Tigers rugby league club played many of their Premiership matches at Birchgrove Oval. They played here from their very first season in 1908 until 1942.
