St Leonards Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Leonards Park |
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WWI 77 mm (3.0 in) German Field Gun located in St Leonards Park
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | 283a Miller Street, North Sydney, North Sydney Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Area | 15 hectares (37 acres) |
| Created | 1867 (as a park) |
| Designer | Charles Moore |
| Operated by | North Sydney Council |
| Built | 1838– |
| Architect | William Tunks, Mayor |
| Official name: St Leonards Park | |
| Type: | State heritage (landscape) |
| Designated: | 31 July 2015 |
| Reference #: | 1941 |
| Type: | Urban Park |
| Category: | Parks, Gardens and Trees |
St Leonards Park is a special place in North Sydney, Australia. It's a large park with a bowling club, sports fields, and a cricket oval. The park covers about 15 hectares (37 acres) (that's like 37 football fields!).
It was first planned in 1838 and officially became a park in 1867. Today, it's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register because of its long history and unique features.
Contents
Park History: A Timeline
How St Leonards Park Began (1838–1867)
The land for St Leonards Park was first marked out in 1838. This was when the town of St Leonards was being planned. For many years, it was just an open area with a track crossing it. There was also a small creek and a swamp in the area.
Creating a Community Hub (1867–1900s)
William Tunks, the first mayor of St Leonards, had a big dream for the area. He wanted to turn the public land into a beautiful park for everyone. In 1867, part of the land was officially set aside for public fun and cricket.
The famous North Sydney Oval was created then, making it one of Australia's oldest cricket grounds still used today. The first building for spectators was built in 1879. It was later replaced by the Duncan Thompson Stand in 1929.
Mayor Tunks cared a lot about the park. He helped decide where pathways should go and even planted trees from his own garden. Local people helped raise money for fences and more trees like pines and fig trees. The park's design was inspired by English parks. Charles Moore, a famous botanist, suggested planting many fig trees.
Sadly, Mayor Tunks passed away in the park in 1883. A beautiful Carrara marble fountain was built in 1885 to remember him. It's called the Tunks Memorial Fountain and you can still see it today.
In 1887, an area was set aside for a bowling green. The St Leonards Bowling Club started in 1888. The park also got a "Football Ground," which is now Bon Andrews Oval. By 1886, a tramway connected the park to the ferry terminal, making it easier for people to visit.
Early 20th Century Changes (1900–1930)
In 1909, Australia's first outdoor cinema opened in St Leonards Park! Movies are still shown there today by Sunset Cinemas.
After World War I, a special committee decided to build a memorial in the park. This was to remember the brave soldiers who served. The cenotaph, a monument for those lost in war, was designed by Frank Thorp. It was unveiled in 1926 and was the largest war memorial in Sydney at the time.
In 1921, a German Field Gun captured during World War I was placed in the park. It stands on a pedestal as a reminder of the war.
The Duncan Thompson Stand at North Sydney Oval was opened in 1928. It was the biggest suburban grandstand in New South Wales back then.
Mid-Century Growth (1930s–1960s)
During the 1930s, the park became a place for government projects to create jobs. A playground was built where tennis courts used to be. It had swings and climbing equipment.
During World War II, zig-zag air raid trenches were dug in the park for safety. These were filled in after the war. A stone gazebo was also built for older people to relax.
In 1948, the Music Shell was completed. This special outdoor stage was opened with a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
A brick wall was built around North Sydney Oval in 1936. This meant some large fig trees along Miller Street had to be removed.
A very special event happened in 1954. Queen Elizabeth II and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh drove through St Leonards Park. About 48,000 schoolchildren were there to see them! A plaque in the park remembers this day.
Modern Park Life (1960s–Present)
In the 1960s, the Warringah Expressway was built, which changed the park's eastern side. Some parkland was used for the new road. Netball courts were also added for local schools.
The North Sydney Leagues Bowling Club got a new clubhouse in 1960-61. In 1984, the Bob Stand was moved from the Sydney Cricket Ground to North Sydney Oval. It's a beautiful old stand from 1895.
For the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Marathon race started outside St Leonards Park. You can still see the blue line painted on Miller Street that marked the course!
North Sydney Oval is still a popular place for sports. In 1994, a record 23,089 people watched a rugby match there.
In 2018, plans were announced for big upgrades to the park. These include improving the war memorial, restoring the Tunks Fountain, adding new benches and picnic areas, and making the playground even better.
In 2021, a part of the park was fenced off for the new Western Harbour Tunnel project. This tunnel will connect the area to Rozelle.
What You Can See in the Park
St Leonards Park is a large green space with many interesting features.
- North Sydney Oval - This is the main sports field, used for cricket since 1867. It has the historic Bob Stand (moved here in 1983) and the large Duncan Thompson Stand.
- Bon Andrews Oval - Another sports field, used for cricket and football since 1894. It has a building called the Cunningham Pavilion.
- Music Shell - This unique outdoor stage was designed by famous architects. It has a dramatic roof and cool decorations.
- Tunks Memorial Fountain - A beautiful marble fountain from 1885, honoring Mayor William Tunks. He was very important in creating the park.
- War Memorial - A tall, impressive monument built in 1926 to remember soldiers from World War I. It's made of a special stone called trachyte.
- World War I Field Gun - A 77 millimetres (3.0 in) German field gun captured in France in 1918. It's a powerful reminder of history.
- Playground - A fun area for children, surrounded by an old concrete fence from the 1930s.
- Stone Shelter - Built in 1943, this shelter is made of rock-faced sandstone with four arches and a tiled roof. It has concrete tables for picnics.
- Oval Bus Shelter - A small, old timber bus stop with a charming tiled roof.
- North Sydney Leagues Bowling Club - The land for bowling was set aside in 1887. The current club building was built in the 1960s.
- Open Parkland and Trees - The park has wide open lawns and many different kinds of trees. Some are native Australian trees like Port Jackson pine and red bloodwood. Others are planted trees like Moreton Bay figs and Bunya Bunya pines. You can also see dead tree stumps that are kept to provide homes for parrots and possums.
There are also special groups of trees, like the fig tree avenue in Fig Tree Lane. Other trees are planted to remember important people or events.
Why St Leonards Park is Special
St Leonards Park is very important for its history and beauty.
- One of the Oldest Parks - It's one of the earliest public parks in New South Wales, first set aside in 1838.
- Historic Sports Grounds - It has one of Australia's oldest cricket grounds and bowling clubs, both still used today.
- Beautiful Design - The park still looks much like a Victorian-era park, with its pathways, memorials, and lovely views. The Tunks Memorial Fountain is a great example of this style.
- Unique Buildings - It features interesting buildings from different times, like the Bob Stand, the World War I Memorial, and the Art Moderne style Music Shell. The 1960s Bowling Club building is also a good example of Modern Movement architecture.
- Important People - The park has links to people like Mayor William Tunks and Edgar Herbert, a pioneer in physical education who helped with the playground programs in the 1930s and 40s.
The park is a wonderful example of how public spaces have been used and enjoyed for over a century. It continues to be a vital place for sports, relaxation, and community events in North Sydney.
Images for kids
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WWI 77 mm (3.0 in) German Field Gun located in St Leonards Park
See also
- List of parks in Sydney
- List of sports venues in Sydney
