Rabbitohs return to Redfern Park

At the same time, the agreement to be voted on by Council ensures the ground is shared with local sporting teams such as the South Sydney All Blacks and local schools, and available and open for the public to use.

The Rabbitohs will use the new Redfern Park for 10 hours per week in the pre-season (from 2009) and 20 hours per week during the season. Souths will also be responsible for maintaining a specific area within the state of the art grandstand including change rooms, a gym, store rooms and a physio room. Souths can also play a small number of pre-season and exhibition games at the Park.

CEO Monica Barone said the new Redfern Park will be a great boost for the local community.

"We are creating an open, attractive and accessible park, with professional sporting facilities. The oval will be used as a professional training facility for Souths and an attractive first-rate playing field for the local juniors, community, school and sporting teams," Ms Barone said.

Major improvements for Redfern Park also include:

• More open space, through the removal of old grandstands, high concrete walls and barbed wire;
• Gentle grass terraces and a state-of-the-art architect-designed spectator stand;
• New children's play areas, including an interactive water play feature designed by renowned indigenous artist, Fiona Foley;
• New trees, shrubs and groundcover;
• Upgrade of all paths and kerbs;
• New lighting throughout the park; and
• Restoration of the park's historical elements such as the fountain and the War Memorial.

History of RedfernPark

• 1885 - The original site was proclaimed for the purpose of public recreation and named Redfern Park. Cricket and rugby union are played.
• 1888 - Civil engineer Charles O'Neill designs the formal park layout. Formal landscaping includes a fountain, with money donated by prominent local resident, John Baptist. Today it is known as the Baptist Fountain. Plants are supplied by the Royal Botanic Gardens.
• 1890s - Further improvements are made with the installation of the elaborate gates on Redfern Street and wrought iron work. Cricket and rugby continue to be played.
• 1903 - Victor Trumper plays one of the most famous innings in Australian cricket history with 335 in three hours. A window that was broken by a huge drive for six remained unrepaired for over 60 years as a tribute.
• 1948 - The South Sydney Rugby League team starts to play home games at Redfern Park. Their first match there is a 19 all draw with Easts.
• 1987 - A ground record crowd of 23,257 enters the park for a Souths v Manly match.
• 1992 - Prime Minister Paul Keating delivers his famous Redfern Park speech to commemorate International Year of the World's Indigenous People.
• 1996 - Souths play their last first-grade match at Redfern. They beat the South Queensland Crushers 48-16.

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