Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves

Robin Thomas Reserve and James Ruse Reserve sporting and recreation facility upgrades

Project Update - June 2025

Robin Thomas Reserve opening soon

Work at Robin Thomas Reserve is progressing well. Major upgrades to the sports field are complete, including:

• installation of a new sports field irrigation system
• minor levelling of the sports field and laying of new turf
• remediation of fibro-affected soils identified during excavation works.

Over the coming weeks, the synthetic cricket wicket and soccer goal posts will be replaced.

Some minor works are to be finished, including a clean-up and site restoration.

The sports field at Robin Thomas Reserve is now under maintenance, and will remain closed until the new turf is established and a quality field is ready to play on.

Given the growing conditions of winter months and heavy shading at some sections of the site, it is expected the sports field will be remain closed until late-September/ October 2025.

A decision on when the sports field can be opened will be made in early-September 2025.

James Ruse Reserve new public toilet and change-room facility on the way!

Stage 1 works at James Ruse Reserve are complete, including:

• installation of a new water tank (for sports field irrigation) on the southern side of the Hassall Street carpark
• remediation of fibro-affected soils identified during excavation works
• installation of underground utilities for a proposed public toilet and change-room facility including sewer, water and electrical connections.

As part of Stage 2 works, Council is finalising plans for a permanent public toilet with change-room facility which will service the existing skate park, playground and water play park.

Over the coming months, planned works include:

• construction of a permanent accessible public toilet and dedicated change-room facilities (cubicles), with baby change-table
• landscaping including garden beds and associated paths, ramps and stairs
• removal of existing temporary toilet structure and full site restoration.

The proposed toilet and change-room facility includes:

• public toilet cubicles including fully accessible cubicle with baby change-table
• dedicated change-rooms
• connections including paths, ramps and stairs to the new facility
• landscape works including garden beds.

A concept plan for the proposed toilet and change-room facility, including associated works, can be seen here James Ruse Reserve Public Toilet and Change Room Facility.

The proposed toilet and change-room facility is located in the area identified in the endorsed Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Master Plan.

Further information about the endorsed master plan can be found here: Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Masterplan | City of Parramatta

It is expected that construction of the proposed toilet and change-room facility will commence in late-2025 and be completed by mid-2026.

The Robin Thomas Reserve and James Ruse Reserve construction zones can be seen here Robin Thomas and James Ruse Reserves Construction Zones June 2025.

Additional construction works

Please note, full site restoration at James Ruse Reserve, including removal of temporary fencing and barriers, will take place at the completion of all construction works, anticipated to be mid-2026. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption during the works.

During work to remediate fibro-affected soils, all appropriate safety controls will be in place, including air-quality monitoring, the establishment of exclusion zones as needed, and the use of personal protective equipment.

More information:

For detailed information, including community consultation, please see Participate Parramatta

Contact the Robin Thomas project team at City of Parramatta Council on 1300 617 058 or email naturalresources@cityodparramatta.nsw.gov.au

Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with City of Parramatta Council.