Dean Reserve
About
Dean Reserve features a playground designed to provide play opportunities for older children and youth in the 6 -12 years age group. The Reserve also features a flying fox, massive playground climbing net, wet pour rubber, dirt bike track, shade cloths, seating, artworks, BBQ and picnic facilities.
Already one of Strathfield Municipality’s largest recreational facilities and a regional level park, the improvements to Dean Reserve add to the attraction of the Bay-to-Bay cycle way. Dean Reserve is a popular stop-and-take-in-the-scenery spot on the cycle way.
History
Originally, the land of Deans Reserve formed the meandering banks of Cooks River. The site was subdivided for residential development, but the ground was too low lying and prone to flooding, forcing plans for residential development to be abandoned. Like many similar sites along the Cooks River, the site was developed as a brickpit.
From the late 1890s, the Western Suburbs Brickworks Pty Ltd established a brick pit due to the rich alluvial clay in the area. This brickpit was a major employer in the Enfield district (today known as Strathfield South, Belfield & Enfield). In the immediate post-war period, the brickworks expanded due to the housing boom of this period until its closure in the 1950’s. Later, Strathfield Council acquired the site and established a tip, mainly for excavated materials from roadworks, until its closure in the late 1980s. After extensive refurbishment, Dean Reserve was reopened in late 2006. (Reference: Jones, C, Parks, Reserves & Memorials of Strathfield, 2004).
Facilities
- BBQ and picnic shelters
- BMX track
- Flying Fox
- Playground climbing net
- Open space for informal recreational use
- Bay to Bay Cyclepath/Walking Path
- Public toilet facilities
- Outdoor exercise equipment
Transport & Accessibility
Dean Reserve is on the Bay to Bay Cycle Way! Consider cycling and leave the car at home.
Bus and Train – Trip Planner provides information on public transport including timetables and routes.
A small parking area is available, entrance from Dean Street.
