O'Connell Street Reserve

One of the smallest parks I have visited, but was exactly in the right place between RPA and King Street, Newtown when I needed a quiet place to sit and rest. A Magpie took little interest in my presence. Probably more interested in people having a lunch or a snack here, and this park is a pleasant place for doing that - quiet, and yet so close to hectic places. It was clean, tidy and extremely well maintained. The plants of the park were clearly cared-for, and there were hardly any weeds anywhere throughout the entire park. There is a metal chess/draughts board firmly screwed onto the top of the table in the park. Hard to find that in any park. A case can be made, however, that etched graffiti on all squares is moving it close to the time for a refurbishment even if, as the graffiti suggests he once was, Lou remains a (lovable) poo. A wall forming part of one side of the park was probably once the interior wall of a (demolished) shower block. If that is right, the park should have easy access to water pipes and would benefit from having a modern water station to serve thirsty people, the occasional Magpie and other bird visitors, and to fill a water bottle. There is also a (modern) drain within the park right nearby. Arguably some cover over the bench seat or the table for extreme weather could be added. However, also arguably the simple, less cumbersome uncovered features suit the style and size of this park better; and the cover of the shops of King Street is close by. Rather unfair to rate this tiny park against large parks with many facilities; but as against what it might have otherwise been - an overgrown and rubbish filled empty small block of land - it deserves awareness and appreciation. Note that just 50 steps South along O'Connell Street is another very small park: "Goddard Playground". As the name suggests, the latter caters particularly for young people with some play equipment there; at least young people not presently interested in playing chess/draughts. It also has a larger grassed area, larger plantings of trees and some 'history", for all. They complement one another quite well. Update 11/1/25. The grass area of the Reserve could do with re-turfing. It is not yellow from dry weather, rather is now very patchy. The other vegetation does not seem quite as thriving as it was once. Unfortunately, none of the suggestions made in the review have been taken up; and notably no water station has been added. Sadly, (tag) graffiti has been added - maybe because the Reserve has not received the ongoing attention and uptake of suggestions that would be ideal. Perhaps murals could become part of the Reserve; but that is not a foregone conclusion as the tiles (and tap holes) give a nod to the history of the place. Update 23/1/25 Anyway, for the present, the graffiti has been removed. Update 3/8/25. The grass area made a much better comeback than I expected without re-turfing. Mind you, this part of Sydney has had a few exceptional drenchings since April (at least three 1 in 50 years rain events!). It now looks pretty good again. Update 22/9/25. A mural has appeared! Update 12/10/25. A mural has disappeared!

A nice place to sit