How Glebe’s Wentworth Park has changed over nearly 200 years

Glebe’s Wentworth Park began as a creek and swamp area in the 1830s, named Blackwattle Cove Swamp. The area was polluted by noxious industries nearby. 

In the 1870 the swamp began to recover as a park. Soon there were sporting and recreation facilities, and concerts, “moving pictures” and other events held on the grass.   

During World War 1 the park was used to store war material; then the railway cut the park in two. After the war, many sports were pioneered, and a speedway was built. Greyhound racing began in 1932. During World War II most of the park became an American army camp. 

After the war the Trust sought new sources of revenue, including hare coursing, and a speedway. A lease agreement was made with the greyhound industry leading to the construction of the grandstand, with racing beginning in 1932. 

In 1990 trusteeship of the outer areas of the park passed to the City of Sydney which encouraged community access.

From 2009 to 2012 the Wentworth Park Games celebrated the upgrading of the park, which also hosts football codes. Local schools use the facilities free of charge. 

This column is assembled by the Pyrmont History Group. We manage an open website – pyrmonthistory.net.au – which contains further information and images.