Leichhardt Oval opened as a public park

Monday 11 December 2023

Inner West Council has opened up the iconic Leichhardt Oval to public access as a park. Residents are now able to enjoy a picnic and a play on the Wayne Pearce Hill, Monday to Friday from sun-up to sundown.

In the same way that Henson Park in Marrickville is used by the community, residents will be able to walk their dogs, catch up with friends or just enjoy a lazy day under the shade of the giant fig trees or soaking up the sun in front of the historic scoreboard. 

To protect the surface of Sydney’s most used sporting ground, residents will be asked to refrain from entering the playing area. 

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said, “Residents can now walk into the 8th Wonder of the World from dawn to dusk, Monday to Friday all summer long.

Leichhardt Oval has a special place in the hearts of local people and sports fans across Australia.

The community can now enjoy a picnic on the Wayne Pearce Hill, walk their dogs or enjoy a few late afternoon beverages.

Leichhardt Oval is more than just Sydney’s most loved sporting ground; it’s a valuable community asset and we want the public to be able to enjoy it throughout the year.”

The trial of public access will take place across summer with a view to making it permanent in 2024. 

For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au