Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Sporting and Recreation Facility Upgrades

City of Parramatta Council endorsed the Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Master Plan in August 2018. The master plan makes recommendations for the entire site, including building use, condition and placement as well as the surrounding parkland, sports fields and recreation and community facilities. In 2019, Council successfully applied to the NSW Department of Sports for funding under the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities Fund (GSSFF) to help deliver elements of the master plan, with GSSFF funding focusing on sporting and recreation facility upgrades within both reserves. 

In early 2022, Council invited feedback on a concept plan which met requirements of the GSSFF funding agreement and were consistent with the endorsed master plan. The concept plan included improved sports field drainage and playing field surface to increase usage capacity for a variety of both passive and formal sports including football and cricket; new practice cricket nets, and a new amenities/toilet block for James Ruse Reserve to service the existing skate park, playground and water play park. 

Further information about the endorsed Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Master Plan can be found on the City of Parramatta website. 

In early 2022, Council invited feedback on the concept plan prepared for the Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves sporting facilities upgrade. 

• During the consultation period, this page attracted 464 visitors with 31 surveys completed. 
• Over 80% of people supported the concept plan. 
• Respondents were particularly supportive of the toilet block and footpath. 

Some of the responses included out-of-scope items such as gym equipment, additional lighting and play equipment, a car park upgrade, as well as suggestions for a café/kiosk and BBQ’s. While these items are out-of-scope for this project, they may be considered as part of future upgrade works. 

Works have been delayed due to extensive investigation and design work required to undertake construction within these reserves. Both sites have significant constraints including sub-surface archaeology, contamination, significant trees, underground services and easements. 

Transport for NSW is delivering a new sports pavilion building and associated landscape works in the northern part of Robin Thomas Reserve (corner of Harris and George Streets). Details on this project can be found at the Transport for NSW project page: Robin Thomas Reserve improvement works | NSW Government 

In 2024, Council received funding through the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program (LSCAP) for the delivery of a permanent public toilet facility in James Ruse Reserve. This facility will service the existing skate park, playground and water play park. 

The proposed toilet facility will be constructed in an area identified within the endorsed Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Master Plan. It will be located immediately adjacent the existing playground on the southern side of the Hassall Street carpark.

Delivery of the public toilet and associated works will be funded by the NSW Government in association with City of Parramatta Council.
 

Unfortunately due to funding and site constraints, not all works shown in the 2022 Concept Plan will be delivered at this point in time. This includes the cricket nets and the concrete footpath to eastern edge of the playing fields.