Opening of the sporting fields, pedestrian and cycling paths from the Green Link Bridge

 

We are pleased to announce the next stage of the re-opening of the Parklands and shared pedestrian and cycling paths.

The two sports fields within the Parklands, as well as the pedestrian and cycling paths connecting the Rozelle Bay Light Rail stop to the Victoria Road underpass, reopened to the community on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 5pm (see wayfinding map below).

The stairs on the city side of the Victoria Road bridge are also now open.

The areas have passed the required safety clearances to ensure they are safe to open to the community for their use. As we are still continuing to work, for the safety of the community and our workers you will see some temporary fencing in place around the Parklands.

We ask that you please refrain from entering the fenced off areas until we advise that it is safe to do so. The map below shows the location of the sports fields and shared paths reopened, as well as indicative positions of the temporary fencing.

Pedestrian and cyclist changes

While work continues, sections of the Parklands' pedestrian and cycling paths will remain closed. Sections will continue to open in stages throughout April and we will advise you of any changes to access as they occur.

Please observe signs and temporary fencing in place and for your safety do not enter closed areas.

As new sections re-open, signs will be placed at key intersections to inform the public of the changes and new routes to help you navigate the area.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the Rozelle Parklands via Gordon Street, Denison Street and the Green Link Bridge from the Rozelle Bay Light Rail stop. These entry points provide access to the Parklands' pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as the Victoria Road bypass to access the city via Anzac Bridge.

 

RParklands map

Parklands Update - 8 March

 

We remain committed to re-opening the Parklands and shared user paths in stages. The Victoria Road pedestrian and cycling underpass and paths connecting to Victoria Road opened to the public from Friday 8 March 2024 (see map below). Please note that the ramps on both sides of the Victoria Road bridge and the underpass will be open. At this stage the stairs will remain closed.

RParklands map

 

Parklands Update - 22 January

 

Work will start at Rozelle Parklands on Tuesday, 23 January to safely remove and dispose of all asbestos-contaminated mulch from across the site.

Transport’s contractor, John Holland CPB Joint Venture (JHCPB), will this week establish key work site facilities, erect further fencing and signage and create special vehicle and machinery access to key locations. 

Background
Rozelle Parklands has been fenced off and closed to the public after the discovery of recycled garden mulch used in landscaping was found to contain traces of bonded asbestos.

JHCPB is ready to remove mulch in all areas that have been identified by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), in addition to a number of other publicly accessible areas.

Plans to remediate other areas outside the Parklands which have returned positive results to targeted sampling, including garden beds adjacent to the road and paths around the junction of the Anzac Bridge, Victoria Road and City West Link are underway.

In total, Transport for NSW identified 17 positive samples of bonded asbestos.

What is next?
Work will begin at the eastern Victoria Road end of the park and progress westwards to allow for the staged re-opening of the site to the community.

Contaminated mulch will be removed from garden beds before being transported from the site in covered trucks to an authorised disposal facility.

Up to 30 workers will be on site over coming weeks to methodically work through the park to ensure full compliance with the EPA’s 29 February deadline to remove affected material at the Parklands site. 

Once the site is cleared, new organic mulch will be spread with an EPA Accredited Site Auditor signing-off to ensure it meets all guidelines. The mulch removal will be conducted in a way to minimise damage to tens of thousands of already established plants, turfed areas, and the shared user paths. This adds additional time to the completion of the work on site, with a staged approach allowing the first sections of the park to open gradually towards the end of March.

Walking and cycling
Walking and bicycle paths through the park will be closed during the clean-up work.

The community are asked to revert to using pedestrian footpaths and bicycle lanes that were in place during the construction of the Rozelle Interchange Project, prior to the opening of the Parklands. Detour maps will be provided in construction notifications.

What about safety?
JHCPB is engaging with both the EPA and SafeWork NSW to ensure all safety protocols are followed during the work.

Our priority is safety and the efficient completion of the project, with necessary safeguards in place to protect the community.

Monitoring around the site for airborne particles will continue throughout the clean-up work. Ongoing tests have not identified anything outside of normal parameters at this time.

NSW Health advises the risk of illness for anyone who has come in contact with this material is low.  

The EPA’s investigation into the source of contamination in the mulch remains ongoing.

When will Rozelle Parklands reopen?
Rozelle Parklands is scheduled to reopen in stages.

The mulch removal will be conducted in a way to minimise damage to tens of thousands of already established plants, turfed areas, and the shared user paths.

This adds additional time to the completion of the work on site, with a staged approach allowing the first sections of the park to open gradually towards the end of March.

We will keep you updated on the project’s progress, so you stay across the latest information.

Where do I go for more information?
If you have any questions regarding the safety action plan, please call 1800 660 248.

Transport remains committed to creating a safer environment and understands the inconvenience this project may cause. We appreciate your patience as we work to reopen Rozelle Parklands again for the community to enjoy.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Rozelle Parklands

The parklands includes two large playing fields, multiple walking and cycling paths that connect with Annandale, Glebe, the Rozelle Light Rail station and future The Bays Metro Station, as well as wetlands with a boardwalk on top and recreational amenities with picnic areas, barbeque areas and playgrounds. 

The parklands has something for everyone regardless of age and ability. Whether you want to play sport, fling a frisbee, go for a bike ride or a walk, enjoy a BBQ with family and friends, or sit on the grass and relax, there will is something for everyone and all ages. 

See some of the key features of the Parklands include bike riding and walking paths, wetlands, boardwalk, barbeque area, fitness stations, bush trails and children’s playground area. 

The parklands will continue to be enhanced and evolve, throughout 2024 we will deliver lighting for the sports fields, multi-purpose courts for netball and basketball and additional amenities like changing rooms for organised sports.

Plan your adventure here familiarise yourself with all the parklands has to offer and please come visit the new big green backyard of Sydney’s Inner West today.

Features

Come explore and enjoy all the parklands has to offer, there is something for everyone: 

  • catch up with family and friends at one of the many outdoor meeting places such as a Corroboree circle and Yarning circle 
  • discovery bush trail for young and older explorers 
  • nature play and children’s play area
  • barbeque facilities for friends and family 
  • exercise outside using the fitness stations or the bush trails 
  • two sporting fields 
  • with over 3,000 trees planted and the gardens there is plenty of areas for those seeking to relax and enjoy nature

Getting to the Parklands/maps

Supervision

Active adult supervision is required while using the Parklands as there may be defects, depressions, obstacles, objects, protrusions, and other hazards that mat present safety risks.

Opening hours

Rozelle Parklands is open 24 hours for recreational public use.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are open from dawn until dusk and are located, as shown on the Rozelle Parklands map - downloadable, near the:

  • children’s play area 
  • sports and recreational fields

Management

Transport for NSW will continue to manage the Rozelle Parklands till late 2024 while further enhancements to the parklands are complete.  

Watering

Watering of the sporting fields occurs daily between:

  • 3am to 8.30am
  • 6.30pm to 11.59pm

Drinking fountains

Located throughout the Parklands:

  • Corroboree and Yarning circle
  • Barbeque area
  • Gordon St entry

Walking and cycling

The Rozelle Parklands connects the Bay Run, The Bays Precinct, and the Green Way in the west to Anzac Bridge and the CBD in the east. Victoria Road also provides walking and bike riding connections to the surrounding suburbs of Drummoyne and Russell Lea and Chiswick as well as The Bays Precinct and the CBD. 

There is approximately 14 kilometres of new and improved cycling and walking paths being delivered as part of the Rozelle Interchange and Parklands project, providing easy connections to surrounding active transport routes and public transport.

The key pathway links are to the Anzac Bridge, Victoria Road, Rozelle Bay Light Rail Stop, Annandale, Glebe and future The Bays Metro Station and precinct.
New cycling connections will also be in Rozelle to link with existing active transport paths in Drummoyne, Haberfield and Five Dock.

Bike racks

Bike racks are located for your convenience throughout the Parklands as shown on the Rozelle Parklands map - downloadable.

Dogs in the Parklands

Dogs must be on leads throughout the Parklands. Rozelle Parklands has designated an open space of almost 10 hectares, there is no dedicated off-leash area. There is a dedicated off-leash area nearby at Easton Park. A list of local parks with off leash areas is available on the Inner West Council website.

Sporting facilities

While the parklands are now open with an oval field and rectangular field, we’ll continue to enhance the parklands throughout 2024 with the delivery of lighting for the sports fields, multi-purpose courts and additional amenities like changing rooms for organised sports. 

Venue and sporting fields bookings on a casual and permanent basis

Throughout 2024 there will be further construction as the Parklands continue to be enhanced and evolve even after opening. Transport for NSW will deliver flood lighting for the sporting fields, multi-purpose courts for netball and basketball and additional amenities like changing rooms for organised sports. 

It is expected that local sports clubs will be able to book the parklands sporting fields for permanent or casual use in late 2024.

Activities not permitted in the Parklands

  • smoking or vaping
  • alcohol
  • swimming in the dam or entering pits or pipes
  • dogs off leash

Contact

Questions about the Parklands can be sent to the team at RozelleParklands@transport.nsw.gov.au