REDFERN PARK RECEIVES GREEN FLAG AWARD


Redfern Park has been recognised as a world class facility after receiving a prestigious Green Flag Award in recognition of quality parks and green spaces.The Green Flag Award is an international accolade from peak body, Parks Forum, and recognises great parks for their usability and community value.

Lord Mayor Clover Mayor said it was the City’s second Green Flag Award after Hyde Park picked up a top park prize last year.

“This is a terrific park with a new first-grade sports field and public grandstand, a great play area for kids, public art, barbecue and picnic areas and a café,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The park caters to our diverse community and is a welcoming oasis in the heart of our city. Our residents and visitors know how wonderful it is but it’s fantastic for it to get some international recognition as well.”

The 4.8 hectare park was built in 1885 and is now the spiritual home of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League teams and a key training facility.

The City introduced sports facilities and upgraded play equipment, barbecue, picnic areas and gardens in 2007 as well as restoring several memorials and fountains.

The park also marks the spot where former Prime Minister Paul Keating gave his historic ‘Redfern Speech’, an extract of which is included in Redfern Park’s Lotus Line water sculpture by acclaimed Aboriginal artist Fiona Foley.

The Lord Mayor thanked City staff for playing a vital role in looking after the park and keeping it clean and welcoming.

“Redfern Park is a very popular community park and it takes a lot of work behind-the-scenes to keep it in great shape,” she said.

“This award is a huge credit to them for their professionalism and dedication for keeping our city’s parks in award-winning condition. We’re honoured that the quality of this park has been recognised by the experts as being first class.”