The first plan of management for Callan Park has been finalised mapping out the next 10-years for the popular Inner West park with more green open space, a new swim spot and even a potential café.
The Callan Park Plan of Management 2026-2036 sets the tone for the next decade, planning for much needed revitalisation of the 61-hectare parkland.
The Plan will guide improvements to accessibility and amenity by unlocking currently unused or inaccessible areas of the park to the more than 2.4 million annual visitors.
The first project to roll out under the Plan will transform the Callan Park foreshore, improving access to the waterfront along the popular Bay Run which is already used by around 5,000 people every day.
Other major projects already progressing include:
- A new Community Sports Facility in the old Repatriation Ward.
- Tidal Baths which are expected to open in summer 2026-27
- The removal of nine derelict buildings to return 1.6 hectares of open space.
The final Plan was informed by more than 3500 people, organisations and community groups who provided feedback.
The Callan Park Community Trustee Board has played a central role in shaping the Plan through a series of strategic workshops. Greater Sydney Parklands also consulted extensively with community groups, sporting organisations, heritage and history groups, First Nations stakeholders and government agencies.
Maintaining and enhancing Callan Park is more important than ever with the population within five kilometres of the park, expected to be home to 415,000 people by 2041.
The Plan sets out priorities including:
- Creating more open space and improving access to the park.
- Caring for the park's habitat and biodiversity and connecting it to surrounding blue-green corridors.
- Activating the park through heritage restoration and new opportunities for leases, events and community activities.
- Implementing a sustainable funding model to support the park's long-term prosperity.
- Continued recognition of First Nations ongoing connection to Callan Park.
- A focus on built heritage and landscape settings.
- Fostering enduring partnerships with the community.
In order to fully realise the plan Parliament needs to pass The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026. The legislation, which has been introduced protects parklands, preventing the sale of any part of the parklands, while unlocking their potential and supporting their long-term sustainability.
For more information on Callan Park's Plan of Management, please visit: Callan Park Plan of Management | Greater Sydney Parklands.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Callan Park is a backyard for thousands of people and this Plan sets a clear path to enhance the popular parkland so it can better serve the area's growing community for years to come.
"Callan Park already attracts millions of visitors every year and improvements like the tidal baths, Bay Run upgrades and removal or renewal of previously abandoned buildings will only enhance its appeal to locals and visitors alike.
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering more green open space, better amenities and a more sustainable future for the Inner West's crown jewel."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"This plan sets a bright future for the crown jewel of the Inner West.
"It will help us to realise Callan Park's true potential by delivering more open space and better amenities from new swim spots to Bay Run upgrades and potential cafes.
"I look forward to seeing this vision come to life over the next decade."
Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Joshua French said:
"This Plan is an important milestone in realising Callan Park's full potential.
"We now have a clear, future‑focused framework that considers the park as a whole and responds to the needs of a growing and diverse community.
"We value the significant feedback received throughout consultation and have incorporated much of it into the final Plan. We look forward to bringing this shared vision to life over the coming years."
