In 2018 the NSW Government announced that the former Meadowbank Public School site at 2 Thistle Street, Ryde will be converted into a new park for the community to enjoy. Since then, a planning proposal to rezone the site has progressed to allow this to occur and will be finalised shortly. The Department of Education has also lodged a Development Application to demolish the school buildings including the childcare centre and school hall.

Council is engaging with the local community to find out what you would like to see in the park to help guide the NSW Government's decision making. Perhaps a playground, basketball court, the school hall being refurbished for community activities, kick about space, amenities building, scooter track or quiet seating areas?

Close by to 2 Thistle Street is Ann Thorn Park playground. This playground requires renewal however due to flooding there is limited space to expand the playground. A new park at 2 Thistle Street presents an opportunity to relocate the playground and enlarge the size of the playground for more children to enjoy.

The feedback received from this consultation will be shared with the NSW Department of Education who are ultimately responsible for development of the site.

Frequently Asked Questions


The purpose of this consultation is to find out what features the community would like to see in the new park such as a playground, basketball court, the school hall being refurbished for community activities, kick about spaces, amenities building, scooter track or quiet seating areas.

This feedback will be shared with the Department of Education who are ultimately responsible for development of the site.


The school hall was built in 2010, however Department of Education's Development Application seeks approval to demolish the hall.

Council is seeking community's feedback on whether the hall should be demolished or refurbished for community events and hiring. The hall could potentially be used for activities such as community group meetings and birthday parties.

If it was to be available for use by the wider community, it would need to be upgraded to meet the Building Code of Australia requirements (i.e. increasing toilet size, accessible entry) and to comply with Ryde's Development Control Plan (i.e. provision of parking).

The Department of Education's Development Application indicates that the childcare will be demolished.


Located close by to 2 Thistle Street is Ann Thorn Park playground. The current Ann Thorn Park playground is due to be upgraded shortly however it is located within an area prone to flooding and there are limited options to expand the playground within Ann Thorn Park. This project presents an opportunity to relocate the playground to the larger 2 Thistle Street site, allowing for a larger playground for more of the community to enjoy. The new playground will also be located outside of a flood prone area.

You are invited to come and meet with Council's Project Team to discuss the New Park at 2 Thistle Street, Ryde, ask any questions you may have, and provide your feedback on what you would like to see at the site.

Where: Gale Street School Entrance

When: Tuesday, 13 February 2024
Time: Anytime between 4pm - 5pm

When: Saturday, 17 February 2024
Time: Anytime between 9.30am - 11.30am