Anzac Park in West Ryde is set for a significant upgrade that will transform it into a vibrant, accessible high-quality green space under a concept design unveiled by the NSW Government on Thursday 6 August 2026.
The future upgrade of the park, which will be 90 years old in 2027, will revitalise one of the City of Ryde's most valued open spaces while protecting the Anzac memorial at its heart, ensuring it remains a place for recreation reflection and community connection for generations to come.
Key features of the concept design, delivery of which will be jointly funded by the City of Ryde and through the NSW Government's $6 million election commitment investment as part of the Parks for People program, include:
- Upgraded pedestrian and cycle paths
- More seating, shade and gathering spaces
- A new fitness zone
- Improved BBQ facilities
- Better lighting to improve safety
- A modern and accessible amenities building
- Retention of large open grassed areas
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said the Anzac Park upgrade fulfilled one of his key priorities, being the maintenance and improvement of vital green open space areas within the Ryde LGA.
"Council has worked closely with the community on developing the Anzac Park Master Plan in 2022, which the State Government has utilised to inform the concept design," he said.
"Anzac Park is one of our community's most cherished spaces, being home to the City of Ryde's official annual Anzac Day ceremony and our popular West Ryde Easter celebrations, which both draw large crowds from across the LGA.
"Its wonderfully scenic, family-friendly setting is becoming an increasingly important urban oasis as our City's population and density continue to grow exponentially. That growth includes a major residential and hotel development proposal on the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club site, less than 100 metres from the park, which was endorsed by Council at its July 2026 Ordinary Meeting."
The City of Ryde undertook two phases of community engagement – in July 2021 and February 2022 – to guide future improvements to the park. The final Master Plan was shaped by that community feedback, with over 300 ideas contributing to the upgrade plans.
Council will manage and deliver construction of the upgrades, with works expected to commence in the first half of 2027.
Bordered by Wattle Street, Herbert Street, Anzac Avenue and Forster Lane, Anzac Park was created during the mid-1930s.
Council's Parks and Lighting Committee inspected the land at the beginning of 1935 and met with interested locals such as the Ryedale Road Property Owners' Association who 'advanced the claims of West Ryde for the provision of a public park'.
Initially intended to be a sportsground, by 1937 the area was considered insufficient for a first-class playing area, and the recommendation was made that it be a general park and playground for children.
By April 1937 the area was being referred to as Anzac Park.
The concept design for Anzac Park can be viewed here
