Consider this. A gift of nature offered to the people. We stand at the edge of Rofe Park. This park represents a legacy of generosity. It is a beautiful expanse of native bushland. The Rofe family gifted this land to Ku-ring-gai in 1927. That was almost a century ago.
Rofe Park spans approximately 50 acres. That is just over 20 hectares. This park forms part of a vital green corridor. It links Sheldon Forest and Comenarra Creek Reserve. Together, they create a three-kilometer stretch. This connects the Pacific Highway and Lane Cove National Park.
Imagine the Rofe family in 1927. Thomas Ernest Rofe and his wife Minnie Edith Rofe lived in Wahroonga. They decided to donate this land. Their gift ensured its preservation. They wanted to protect the natural fauna and flora forever. Councillor Thistlethwayte praised their generosity. He emphasized the park’s role in preserving nature. Rofe Park officially opened on May 24, 1927. The Rofe family attended the opening. Thomas Rofe explained his inspiration. He had read a report. It was from the Society for the Preservation of Wildlife. He was also impressed by parks in the USA. These had been donated to local communities.
Avondale Creek flows through Rofe Park. Two waterfalls cascade within its boundaries. Natural caves dot the landscape. These geological features add to the park’s charm. Rofe Park showcases typical Hawkesbury Sandstone formations. The valley is about 70 meters deep. It has steep rocky sides. The sandstone is overlain by thin layers of siltstones.
The park’s vegetation is diverse. Coachwood forests thrive along the creek lines. Grey Myrtle also flourishes here. Blackbutt trees dominate the valley sides. Some of these trees are over 100 years old. Critically endangered Blue Gum High Forest exists here. This is mainly located in Sheldon Forest.
Rofe Park is home to many animal species. Powerful Owls roost in the coachwood canopies. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos fly overhead. Brushtail and ringtail possums inhabit the trees. Long-nosed bandicoots roam the undergrowth. Several threatened species live here. These include the Red-crowned toadlet and the Gang-gang cockatoo. Eastern bent-wing bats also call this park home.
There are several walking tracks in Rofe Park. They vary in difficulty. Easy tracks surround Mimosa Oval. More challenging tracks lead to Warragal Road. Others cross to Troon Place in Pymble. At the Mimosa Road end, you find a playground. Mimosa Oval provides space for sports. Local clubs like Kissing Point Cricket Club use it. West Pymble Football Club also plays here. South Turramurra Scout Hall is nearby.
Despite a nomination, Rofe Park does not have Heritage listing. The council believes existing protections are sufficient. The park is within a Greenweb and Biodiversity protection zone. Rofe Park remains a testament to the Rofe family’s vision. They ensured this natural bushland would be preserved. Generations can now enjoy its beauty. It is a precious green space.