A garden created to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to Blacktown has been given a new lease on life by Blacktown City Council's Greenspace team.
The Pope's Garden, established in 1987 following the Holy Father's historic visit, has long provided a quiet space for reflection within the Blacktown Showground precinct.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the renewal preserves an important community landmark.
"The visit of Pope John Paul II remains a proud chapter in Blacktown's history," Mayor Bunting said. "The refreshed garden is a simple but meaningful way of honouring that moment and keeping its spirit alive for future generations."
Council staff and apprentices recently completed a series of improvements to enhance the garden's appearance and structure. Their work has revitalised the space and strengthened its role as a tribute to a significant moment in the City's history.
The upgrade included high-pressure cleaning of the pavements, expansion of garden borders, and the installation of posts and wires to support new climbing roses.
New plantings feature 25 red climbing roses, 60 purple daisies (Osteospermum ecklonis), and 10 Sedum 'Gold Mound'.
Existing trees and shrubs were carefully trimmed to improve light and visibility, while older plants were removed, weeded, and mulched.
Pope John Paul II visited Sydney's western suburbs during his 1986 visit to Australia, including a stop at the Transfield steel works in Seven Hills. His motorcade travelled through Blacktown, where many residents gathered to welcome him.
The following year, the garden and commemorative plaque were dedicated to His Holiness by Bishop Bede Heather and officially opened by the Blacktown Mayor, Russ Dickens.
Today, the Pope's Garden remains part of the Blacktown Showground precinct, located at the corner of Balmoral Street and Richmond Road, Blacktown.
