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Moore Park
This collection contains a small selection of archives relating to Moore Park, Sydney.
The area now known as Moore Park was part of Sydney Common. It obtained its name in 1867 after the Mayor of Sydney Municipal Council Charles Moore (Mayor from 1867-1869).
The suburb is within the City of Sydney and the City was responsible for the Sydney Common from 1861. Cows were grazed on the early site and horses were exercised there. Street sweepings from the City and night soil were regularly deposited there.
In 1866 the Council dedicated land of the north west section of Sydney Common as a recreation ground. It was used for outdoor activities, particularly organised sports including cricket and later lacrosse, bowls and even polo. It was also used for military exercises and parades.
Parts of Moore Park have been used for a variety of entertainments. For example, it was the home to temporary circuses and a rifle range. Sydney's first zoological gardens was on the site from 1879 until its move to Taronga Park in 1916. The Royal Agricultural Society held the Royal Easter Show there for over a century from 1882. It housed the first Australian golf club from 1882. More recently Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parties have been held there. A number of events were held there during the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Sections of Moore Park were used as a tip and for the incineration of animals. The Moore Park Destructor was located in the park. It was also used as a public dog pound.
Sydney Girls’ High School (1920) and Sydney Boys’ High School (1928) were built on the former site of the zoological gardens.
Moore Park currently includes the ES Marks Athletics Field, an 18-hole public golf course and driving range, tennis and netball courts. It now forms part of the Centennial Parklands administered by the NSW State government.
References
https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/our-parks/moore-park/history-of-moore-park
https://ozvta.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/moore-park-sandhills-sydney-2042020.pdf
CollectionVillages and SuburbsAthletic Troupe, Moore Park Recreation Centre, Moore Park Road and South Dowling Street Sydney, 1933