McLeod Reserve facts for kids
McLeod Reserve is a lovely park in Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia. You can find it right next to the busy Hume Highway. This park is a special place with a rich history. It reminds us of Bankstown's first school and its friendship with a city in Japan.
Contents
Bankstown's First School
Did you know that McLeod Reserve is built on a very important spot? It's where Bankstown's first public school once stood!
The School's Beginning
The school first opened in 1862. It started as a Church of England school. Then, in 1867, it became a public school. The main school building was built in 1880. It was right here, where McLeod Reserve is today.
Students and Teachers
By 1882, the school was quite busy. There were 49 boys and 36 girls learning there. The very first headmaster was Dugald McLeod. He taught at the school from its opening until 1912. The park is named after him! Students at the school used a well for water. Today, a special plaque marks where that well used to be.
End of an Era
The school building was taken down in 1924. This happened because a new school, North Bankstown School, opened that same year.
A Special Friendship Garden
McLeod Reserve also celebrates a unique international friendship.
Bankstown's Sister City
In March 1989, Bankstown made friends with a city in Japan. This city is called Suita, located in Osaka. This was Bankstown's very first "Sister City" agreement. It means the two cities decided to be friends and learn from each other.
Gifts of Friendship
To celebrate this special bond, Suita gave Bankstown two traditional Japanese stone lanterns in 1995. These beautiful lanterns marked Bankstown's founding.
The Friendship Garden
In August 1999, a special garden was created. It's called the Friendship Garden. You can find it right here in McLeod Reserve. This garden is a symbol of the strong friendship between Bankstown and Suita. It shows how two cities from different parts of the world can connect.
