Location

Dean Street Strathfield South

Facilities

• BMX track 
• Flying Fox
• Playground climbing net
• Open space for informal recreational use
• Bay to Bay Cyclepath/Walking Path
• Public toilets (at Ford Park or Bark Huts Reserve, a short walk about 5 mins away)

About Dean Reserve

Dean Reserve was reopened in late 2006 after extensive refurbishment.  Dean Reserve is Strathfield's most innovatively designed park.  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 installation of a flying fox, massive playground climbing net, dirt bike track, shade cloths, barbecues, seating and artworks. A new bridge is proposed to be installed between Dean Reserve and foreshore land on the western side of the Cooks River providing a cycle link to the Bay-to-Bay cycle way.  Picnic facilities are also soon to be installed.

Already one of Strathfield Municipality's largest recreational facilities and a regional level park, the improvements to Dean Reserve also 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 this land formed the meandering banks of Cooks River covered in native scrub.  This site was subdivided for residential development, but land was low lying and prone to flooding, therefore plans for residential development was 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.  The site was closed in mid 50’s. Later Strathfield Council acquired the site and established a tip, containing mainly excavated materials from roadworks, until its closure in the late 1980s.  (Reference: Jones, C, Parks, Reserves & Memorials of Strathfield, 2004).

Park Management

Dean Reserve is managed in accordance with the Cooks River Open Space Plan of Management. 

Transport and Accessibility

Bay to Bay Cyclepath/Walking

Bus and Train – Trip Planner provides information on public transport including timetables and routes.

A small parking area is available, entrance from Dean Street.