Sydney’s wave of park upgrades is showing no signs of slowing, with the NSW Government revealing the final design for a $6 million transformation of West Ryde’s Anzac Park.
The 90-year-old neighbourhood park will undergo a major transformation to improve accessibility, recreation and everyday use while preserving the ANZAC memorial at its centre. The City of Ryde Council will deliver the upgrade, with construction expected to finish in 2028.
The project follows a string of recent announcements focused on parks and public spaces across Sydney, including plans for a vast new national park in the city’s west and new walking and cycling infrastructure in Parramatta.
What will change at Anzac Park?
The final masterplan introduces a range of new features aimed at making the park more welcoming and functional for visitors of all ages.
Planned improvements include:
- Upgraded pedestrian pathways
- More seating, shade and gathering spaces
- A dedicated outdoor fitness zone
- A redesigned park entrance
- Improved barbecue facilities
- A new accessible amenities building
The design also retains the park’s ANZAC memorial, ensuring it continues to serve as a place of remembrance alongside its role as a popular local green space.
Established in the mid-1930s, Anzac Park has been part of the West Ryde community for almost a century. Originally developed as a neighbourhood park and children’s playground, it takes its name from nearby Anzac Avenue rather than being purpose-built as a memorial. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the suburb’s best-loved green spaces, with the ANZAC memorial later becoming a central feature of the park.
Community feedback helped shape the final design
The final concept was developed in partnership with the City of Ryde Council and informed by two rounds of community consultation.
According to the NSW Government, more than 300 submissions helped shape the masterplan, alongside technical site investigations, with the goal of creating a park that better serves current residents while accommodating the area’s future growth.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the upgrade would help ensure local communities continue to have access to quality public open space. “Projects like this help existing and future residents have access to the quality green spaces that make neighbourhoods great places to live,” he said.
Moreover, City of Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison said residents had played an important role in the final outcome. “I’ve heard from so many local families about how much this park means to them, and it’s fantastic to see that feedback reflected in the final design.”
She added that “Ryde is growing fast, and projects like this are exactly what our community needs, quality open space that keeps pace with new housing and gives people somewhere to stay active and connected.”
When will the upgrade be complete?
The City of Ryde Council will oversee construction, with crews expected to complete the $6 million park upgrade in 2028.
Once finished, the upgraded park will offer improved facilities for recreation, picnics and community gatherings while maintaining its heritage character and the memorial at its heart.
