Mortdale Memorial Park facts for kids

Mortdale Memorial Park is a special green space in the southern Sydney suburb of Mortdale. It's a place where people can relax, have picnics, and even hold weddings or concerts. The park is also home to a important war memorial that honors local people who bravely served their country during times of war.

Mortdale Memorial Park is a popular spot for many activities.

The Park's Story: How it Began

The land where Mortdale Memorial Park now stands wasn't always a park. It used to be a small pit where people made bricks by hand. This brick-making stopped in 1884 when a bigger brick factory, called Mortdale Brickworks, opened near Mortdale Public School.

Finding the Perfect Spot

Creating Mortdale Park was quite a challenge! Many different groups in Mortdale wanted their own piece of land for a park. The local Chamber of Commerce, the RSL (Returned and Services League), the Parents & Citizens group, and the Council all had ideas.

Discussions about a park began in September 1924. Residents first asked for a park at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Cook Street. But within a year, the Chamber of Commerce suggested a different spot at the corner of Morts and Forest Roads. For a few years, both locations were considered. Finally, the chosen spot was on Boundary Road, between Martin Place and Oxford Street.

Park Opens and Changes

Mortdale Park officially opened by 1935. During World War II, in 1942, the local council didn't allow the Presbyterian Church to build air raid shelters for children in the park.

The Mortdale Memorial Monument, which honors those who served in wars, was first put up in the Shopping Centre in 1922. Later, it was moved to Mortdale Park. The memorial you see today was built in 1976.

The park's name changed from Mortdale Park to Mortdale Memorial Park in 1997. This change recognized its important role as a place of remembrance.

What You Can See and Do at the Park

Mortdale Memorial Park has several important features and hosts many community events.

Key Features of the Park

• The Mortdale Memorial: This is a special war memorial that remembers people from Mortdale who served in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. It's a brick monument called a cenotaph, which means it honors people whose remains are elsewhere. It has honor rolls (lists of names), flagpoles, and other items that remember their service.
• The Rotunda: There's a beautiful, round building with a domed roof, known as a rotunda. It's a classic design often used for performances or gatherings.
• Fig Trees: The park is bordered by large Small-leaved Fig trees. These trees add to the park's natural beauty.

Fun Activities and Events

The park is a lively place that hosts many social activities throughout the year:

• ANZAC Day Service: Every April, a special service is held to remember ANZAC Day. This often includes a street march from the nearby Mortdale RSL Club to the park.
• Carols by Candlelight: In December, before Christmas, people gather for a fun sing-along event called Carols by Candlelight.
• Weddings: The park's beautiful setting makes it a popular spot for wedding photos and even wedding ceremonies.