Federal Park Playground, Annandale
Federal Park in Annandale re-opened during the 2021 lockdown after a complete refurbishment by City of Sydney.
The end result is a fantastic playground suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teens. And with water views, barbecues and plenty of greenspace, it’s the kind of destination park that will be popular for parties and family gatherings as we come into the warmer months.
City of Sydney re-developed the playground as part of its Johnston’s Creek Master Plan. Work so far has included the opening up of five railway viaduct arches, shared walking/cycling pathways through the park, the playground upgrade and the installation of a skate park. As part of the project Sydney Water is naturalising Johnston’s Creek between Rozelle Bay and The Crescent, replacing the old concrete banks with sandstone and native plants, developing wetlands and installing boardwalks and a new bridge. This work was ongoing when IWM visited.
Where is it?
Federal Park is located on the Glebe Peninsula. It joins up with Bicentennial Park, Jubilee Park and Oval, and Blackwattle Bay Park. It’s close to the Tramsheds too.
Parking for Federal Park is on Chapman Road.
What’s the playground like?
This is a big playground with equipment for all ages. And it is so lovely to see the different age groups playing together in the same space. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the fenced sandpit with digger and water pump. There are small slides and a low nest swing for the little ones too. The bigger kids will have a blast on the double flying fox and the climbing frame up to the big slide.
We saw both skateboarders and scooter riders enjoying the skate park. This starts in the playground and continues through one of the tram arches, opening up that side of the park. The skate park facilities include rails, ledges, walls, and a freestanding mini-ramp.
Any other facilities for families?
There are toilets underneath one of the viaducts close to the playground. We spotted a few barbecues and there’s plenty of space for a picnic. The closest cafe/shop is probably in the Tramsheds, but there was an ice-cream van in the carpark during the IWM’s weekend visit.
Federal Park Playground, Chapman Road, Annadale, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds/federal-park-playground
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