Moore Park Parklands, a new public green space in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has opened to the public, but its creation involved the partial conversion of the historic Moore Park Golf Course, leading to significant backlash from golfers and some local residents.
The redevelopment aims to provide additional green space in one of Sydney's most densely populated areas. NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully stated that the area currently has approximately 690,000 residents within five kilometers, a number projected to increase to 790,000 by 2041. The new park includes public access areas, an off-leash dog zone, picnic tables, and benches.
The decision to use part of the golf course, which was established in 1913, has drawn criticism. The course has been reduced from 18 holes to 12, and is currently operating as a nine-hole course during the ongoing work. Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland described Moore Park Golf Course as one of the busiest public golf facilities in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the few accessible to Sydneysiders near the CBD.
A social media account, 'Save Moore Park Golf Course,' criticized the changes, arguing that Sydney has ample public green space already, citing nearby Bat & Ball Oval, sporting precincts, and Centennial Park. The account also pointed out that golf is a growing sport and that many alternative courses are private and unaffordable for most Australians. They further suggested that the golf course generated revenue that supported the surrounding parklands, questioning the necessity of sacrificing a busy public facility.
Other social media users echoed these sentiments, questioning the decision to alter the popular golf course when large areas like Centennial Park are adjacent. However, some users supported the conversion, with one noting that the number of people using a golf course at any given time is less than those informally using open space. Another suggested the land could be used for affordable housing to address the city's housing shortage.
The NSW government has allocated $50 million for the 20-hectare park, covering essentials such as equipment, barbecues, pathways, and lighting. The government anticipates the new golf course layout will be completed and reopened within the next few years, alongside new walking and running tracks. The park officially opened on July 13.