Town planners and architects agree that the quality of an urban environment is often not based on what has been built, but rather, what is not built, i.e. the quality of its open spaces.   

Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay and Potts Point have a pocketful of pocket parks including Arthur McElhone Reserve, at Elizabeth Bay House, Lawrence Hargrave Reserve, Ward Avenue, St Neot Avenue pocket park and Peace Park.  

McElhone Reserve is an award-winning park opposite Elizabeth Bay House and has been used for outdoor entertainments since 1829.

St Neot Avenue pocket park is on the site of a former grand mansion, Grantham, demolished in 1937, whose owner was born at St.Neot, Cornwall, England. 

Peace Park, 28 Roslyn Street Rushcutters Bay, faces Roslyn Street adjacent to St Canice’s church, Roslyn Street, was dedicated for public use in 1987 and is dedicated to the late Roman Catholic Cardinal, Sir James Freeman KBE. 

The park was first cleared for such uses in 1943 and subsequently purchased by the church in 1948. 

It was first used as a playground from 1949-1973.  

Its green expanse, sandstone walls and shady canopies create a visual escape for passers-by and a peaceful, tranquil place to relax to simply enjoy the greenery. 

It’s a “local knowledge” thing.

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions