Our Park, Waverley Park

Dennis Hourn | December 05, 2024

A stunning video has just been released on the history and use of Sydney's Waverley Park which includes Waverley Oval, the grandstand and its facilities, the all weather playing fields, children's playground and the imposing water reservoir tower.

Waverley Oval is home to the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club formerly known as Waverley District Cricket Club. The club has a rich 150 year history as club president Jim Maxwell AM outlines in the video. Past players include test players and former Australian test captain Syd Gregory, Alan Kippax, former England test captain Tony Greig, Geoff Boycott, Malcolm Marshall, Greg Matthews, Brad Haddin, Peter Nevill and David Warner.

Waverley Park dates from 1880 and has provided recreational facilities for a wide range of team sports since. Expanded greatly when the new grandstand was completed in 2013.

At 110 metres above sea level Waverley Park sits atop the highest point in the municipality and is located in the inner city beach side suburb of Waverley about two kilometres from the world famous Bondi Beach. The suburb and surrounds are some of the most densely populated areas in Australia.

The video emphasises the importance of inner city sporting facilities which must be cherished and guarded at all costs. Especially facilities that provide opportunities for youngsters to engage with others in team sports.

As the introduction to the history of the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, which has the second largest junior development program in Australia, states:

"Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club (Waverley) is a part of the sporting and social fabric of the local community. In their life’s journey thousands of young men and women have passed though Waverley Oval, its coaching classes and extensive junior competition. While some have gone on to represent the district and beyond, all have benefited from the mentoring provided by the coaches and senior players from the club.  It is not trite to say that lifetime friendships have been forged at Waverley Oval"

Thanks go to the following who were the main drivers behind this important video.

Danny Caretti - Executive Producer, Waverley Action Group Inc.

Julie McAlpin - Executive Producer & Writer, Waverley Action Group Inc.

Harry Allen - Editor, ah-HA Productions

Enjoy.