To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Sydney constructed Rotary Park.
The park opened on 15 August 1956 through the collaboration and work of Rotarian volunteers, businesses, trade unions, and local citizens.
The park area included the existing, decommissioned historic city reservoir, including the Wentworth Creek Dam and waterfall dating from the 1880s.
This was incorporated into the park as a swimming lake with diving platforms, a lifeguard stand, and a sand shoreline.

The land that was used in the development of Rotary Park was owned by people who wished to dedicate the extensive property as a community park.
These owners were members of St. George's Parish, along with Rotarian C.J. Burchell, QC.
Through exchange and donation, the site was soon deeded to the City of Sydney under the protective term that "it remain a park".

This $50,000 project was considered one of the most ambitions in Sydney's history.
Phase one of the Park's creation developed 12 acres (4.9 ha), from the total 52 acres (21 ha) site.
Committee Chairman Gordon Elman and Rotary President Alf Reynolds were honoured to present Rotary Park to the community.

One feature of the park was a locally designed and constructed lookout tower which incorporated an ornate spiral staircase leading up to the viewing deck.
On a clear day, people could see far and wide from this lookout tower.
Not only could they view the surrounding cityscapes, and harbour, they could see as far as Cape Smokey and the Cape Breton Highlands over 50 kilometres (31 mi) to the north.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Sydney constructed Rotary Park. The park opened on 15 August 1956 through the collaboration and work of Rotarian volunteers, businesses, trade unions, and local citizens. The park area included the existing, decommissioned historic city reservoir, including the Wentworth Creek Dam and waterfall dating from the 1880s. This was incorporated into the park as a swimming lake with diving platforms, a lifeguard stand, and a sand shoreline.
The land that was used in the development of Rotary Park was owned by people who wished to dedicate the extensive property as a community park. These owners were members of St. George's Parish, along with Rotarian C.J. Burchell, QC. Through exchange and donation, the site was soon deeded to the City of Sydney under the protective term that "it remain a park".
This $50,000 project was considered one of the most ambitions in Sydney's history. Phase one of the Park's creation developed 12 acres (4.9 ha), from the total 52 acres (21 ha) site. Committee Chairman Gordon Elman and Rotary President Alf Reynolds were honoured to present Rotary Park to the community.
One feature of the park was a locally designed and constructed lookout tower which incorporated an ornate spiral staircase leading up to the viewing deck. On a clear day, people could see far and wide from this lookout tower. Not only could they view the surrounding cityscapes, and harbour, they could see as far as Cape Smokey and the Cape Breton Highlands over 50 kilometres (31 mi) to the north.
Greenlink Rotary Park Trail System