New park named for industrial past opens in heart of Green Square

By ERIN MODARO

A new green space has opened in the heart of Green Square, complete with grass spaces, a water feature and colourful artworks. Named ‘The Drying Green’, a remnant of the area’s industrial history, the park has been in the works since 2018.

The Drying Green references the trade of wool drying in which sheep fleeces would be laid across the soil to dry, which was one of the first industries in the area.

Sydney’s Mayor Lord Clover Moore called the new space a, “inner-city chillout zone where friends and families can meet for a barbecue or picnic”. The park also includes an amenities building open to the public for use.

“Our investment in community facilities, parks and open spaces will ensure Green Square lives up to its potential as a wonderful new urban village” Cr Moore said.

The layered levels of green in the park are accentuated by an art installation called Stream, by artist Kerrie Poliness. The artwork is a reference to the history of water in the location of the park, where a dam and a stream once flowed.

Public school coming just across street from park

The park is bordered by Portman Street, Geddes Avenue, Paul Street and Zetland Avenue, and is located across the street from where a new public primary school is currently in construction. Green Square Public School, which is being jointly funded by the City of Sydney and the NSW government, began construction in August of this year.

Both projects are part of a $1.3 billion investment by the City of Sydney in infrastructure around Green Square, which is a quickly expanding area. The City of Sydney reports that Green Square is becoming one of the most densely populated areas in Sydney.