Contemplate this. What if a park could embody a family’s legacy, becoming a gift for generations? That’s the story of Macarthur Park. It stands in Camden, New South Wales. This park wasn’t just built. It was gifted. Mrs. Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow and the Camden Park Estate gave it to Camden’s citizens. The official opening was a grand affair. It took place October 10, 1906. Mrs. Macarthur-Onslow herself officiated the ceremony.
Alderman A. D. Little managed the ceremony. He spoke about the park’s importance to Camden’s history. Mrs. Macarthur-Onslow planted a tree at the entrance gate. Mrs. Little planted one on the opposite side. This marked a new chapter for the town. Macarthur Park was named to honor James Macarthur. He was the donor’s father. The gift occurred June 8, 1905. Initially, the park spanned six acres.
Macarthur Park came with conditions. These were outlined in the ‘Deed of Gift’. The council holds the land in trust. It is for the people of Camden forever. No entry fee can ever be charged. No part of the park can be used for business. It cannot be used for sports. Onslow Park already serves that purpose. The natural ironbark trees must be preserved.
From Macarthur Park, a beautiful view unfolds. The Razorback Range rises to the south. Mount Hunter sits slightly to the west. Governor Hunter named it in 1796. To the east, you can spot the Macarthur Homestead. It is also known as Camden Park.
Later, more trees were planted. Town water was installed in 1910. This helped to keep the trees watered. Another 100 trees were planted in 1912. Public donations honored Mrs. Elizabeth Macarthur Onslow after she died in 1911. These funds built the shelter in 1913. This shelter was a place of enjoyment. It sheltered people from the heat. The town band even performed here. During World War II, the room became an observation post.
The four wooden gates are mostly original. Repairs have matched the original materials. John Comyns built the fence. Fred Dowle prepared the beds for planting. Mr. F Downes secured a grant. Residents also contributed. Together, they raised one hundred pounds for trees and shrubs. Two palm trees, planted in 1906, still stand at the main entrance. Returned soldiers planted palm trees after World War I. These are at the southern end of the memorial gardens.
The park’s design has evolved. In 1964, the rose garden was planned. The next year, 80 roses were planted. Sandstone edging came from old street gutters from the 1800s. The W H Anderson Memorial Drinking Fountain has moved. It once stood in the center of Camden. After accidents with horse wagons, it was moved to the park in 1937.
The Pergola and Paved Walkway were completed in 1983. This is also known as ‘Wisteria Walk’. Sandstone came from old Camden streets. The Pergola features six kinds of wisteria. The Rose Garden near Park Street opened in 1984. It features 120 modern roses. Today, Macarthur Park boasts 320 roses.
The cenotaph was built by Percy Butler. Public donations paid for it. Mrs. Hector Small unveiled it in 1922. She was the widow of a fallen soldier. Memorial gates were a gift from Dr. F West. Miss Macarthur Onslow unveiled them. Sandstone for the cenotaph and entrance came from the Moore property. Mr. W Kerwin was the stonemason. Three guns stand around the cenotaph. The government gifted them in 1920. They include two German field pieces and one Turkish field gun. The Turkish gun’s wheels were restored in 1979. Its barrel is inscribed in Arabic.
The park continues to be enjoyed. It stands as a testament. It shows the generosity of the Macarthur-Onslow family. It also honors the community’s history. As you wander through Macarthur Park, remember its rich heritage. Feel the connection to the past. This is a place where history and nature meet.