Putney Park - Draft Masterplan and Plan of Management

Closing on 03 September 2025, 11:59 PM

Image of Putney Park. People using a BBQ in grass field with a gazebo and Parramatta River in the background.
Help shape the future of Putney Park.

The Putney Park Masterplan, last prepared in 2011, is due for an update. Since the original plan was adopted, community use, expectations and recreational trends have changed. The updated Masterplan will ensure Putney Park continues to serve as a safe, inclusive and high-quality open space for our community.

The Putney Park Masterplan is being prepared to guide park improvements over the next 10 to 15 years. The Draft Masterplan responds to increased visitors, ageing infrastructure and focuses on enhancing accessibility, increasing recreational opportunities, enhancing environmental resilience, protecting natural and cultural features, and creating a more resilient, connected open space.  

Council has also drafted an updated Plan of Management for Putney Park. This has been approved by Council and the Minister responsible for Crown Lands and is on public exhibition on this webpage. The purpose of the draft Plan of Management is to identify objectives, targets and propose strategies to protect and guide future maintenance and management of Putney Park.  

Your input will help City of Ryde ensure these plans support the needs of our community and protect the environment.

See below for information on how you can Have Your Say.

The Putney Park Masterplan Background Report will be available to view soon.

About Putney Park

Putney Park is a treasured waterfront regional park with an abundance of open space alongside Parramatta River. Putney Park covers an area of 7.07 hectares and has been popular for its play and picnic facilities and the Putney Beach Swim Site, which opened in January 2025. The regional playground in the park is due for an upgrade and a community engagement about the playground design occurred in May 2025.

Putney Park is located along the northern banks of the Parramatta River in Putney. It covers lots 55A, 77 and 99 Pellisier Road.

Learn more about Putney Park

Map of Putney Park.jpg


Putney Demographics

Putney Park is a regional park. The NSW Government Architect defines a regional park as having a visitor catchment radius of at least 5 km. Putney Park’s catchment comprises the whole of the City of Ryde and extends into Lane Cove and Hunters Hill.  

City of Ryde’s population is projected to grow from 129,000 (2021, REMPLAN) to nearly 194,000 by 2046 - an increase of 64,000 people - mostly concentrated in high-density precincts like Macquarie Park, Eastwood, and West Ryde-Meadowbank. With limited private open space, this growing population will increasingly rely on regional parks like Putney Park, even from 5–10 km away. 

In the immediate 2 km catchment - including Putney, most of Gladesville, and parts of Meadowbank and Ryde - population is expected to grow by about 7,000 people to 39,000 by 2046. This local growth, combined with the park’s appeal and accessibility, will significantly increase demand for its facilities.

Why is a Masterplan upgrade required?

The Putney Park Masterplan, first adopted in 2011, is now due for an update to respond to the park’s evolving role, community expectations, and the changing urban context surrounding it. Over the past decade, Putney Park has seen increased visitation, broader recreational use, and the delivery and planned upgrades of key features - opening of the new Swim Site, the commencement of the Seawall upgrade to respond to the future sea level rise predictions and the planning of the regional playground upgrade in line with City of Ryde’s Children’s Play Plan

In addition, there is growing demand for more inclusive and accessible spaces, improved connectivity to surrounding areas and within the park, and better facilities that support gatherings, active transport connections, and environmental sustainability. 

Some of the updated facilities and opportunities within the draft Masterplan include:

  • Additional sheltered Gazebo locations for family gatherings
  • Locations for food and beverage including café, food events and food trucks
  • Watercraft access and storage - two locations to be chosen from
  • Nature play - existing playground in middle region to be upgraded
  • Quiet and reflective spaces - nooks proposed along the proposed Nature Trail
  • Improved facilities - accessible toilets, shower, and baby change facilities
  • New hard surface pathways to existing layout - 0.5km
  • New nature trail - 0.5km
  • Flexible gathering and events spaces - expanded four locations
  • Cultural and heritage – the cultural Yarning circle and ‘Lunnhilda’ (historical Putney Park House) events space could serve as a cultural and heritage discussion opportunity with further educational opportunity along the bush trail
  • Environmental education through third-party operated educational nature trails
  • Making the park more accessible by implementing features in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)

By updating the Masterplan, Council aims to ensure Putney Park continues to be a safe, inclusive, and resilient foreshore destination for our community.

Why is a Plan of Management needed?

Plans of Management are usually reviewed every 5-10 years or when legislative changes occur. The updated Draft Plan of Management (PoM) considers the park’s changing role, and the significant upgrades already completed and those underway - including the new Swim Site, seawall construction, and the regional playground improvements. With growing community use and future opportunities identified for better access, connectivity, safety, and gathering spaces, an updated PoM is essential to further ensure the park is managed sustainably, remains fit for purpose, and continues to meet the needs of current and future visitors. 

The PoM also plays a key role in balancing environmental protection with public access and enjoyment. By clearly outlining objectives, permitted uses, and future actions, the updated Plan will provide a shared vision for Putney Park that gives both Council and our community confidence in how this space will be cared for into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be any changes to the vehicle access and parking?

Access and parking arrangements may be improved to enhance safety and ease of use, while minimising environmental impact. No additional car parking is considered for the park at this point. Some of the existing car park spots (4) will be converted into disability car parking spots in the main car park (northern region) and the kerb-side parking along Pellisier Road in the southern region. The entry and exit points for the main car park have the potential to be swapped to support efficient circulation at car park and road intersection. Further confirmation will be considered in the final masterplan design (subject to traffic studies).

Will the Masterplan include facilities for kayaking and dragon boat launching?

The Masterplan recognises the increasing popularity of non-motorised watercraft activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and dragon boating. It proposes improved access to the foreshore with a boat storage and designated launch areas that supports safe entry and exit for these watercrafts. The design aims to accommodate group activities like dragon boating in two proposed locations, out of which one site option will be finalised based on community feedback and preference of location.

Will the existing amenities blocks be upgraded?

The Masterplan proposes a significant upgrade to the existing amenities block in the northern region to improve functionality, accessibility, and overall user comfort. The upgraded facility will include accessible toilets, showers, baby change facilities, and improved lighting and ventilation, with consideration for sustainable water and energy use.

Upgrades are also proposed for the amenities block in the middle region, including covered seating area, baby change facility, and information board.

Will there be any noise restrictions for events held in the park?

The Masterplan recognises the importance of balancing community use with the amenity of nearby residents. The ‘Lunnhilda’ Culture and Heritage Space will have limitations on events that involve amplified sound or musical equipment due to its proximity to the Pellisier Road and residential zone. Such activities will only be permitted with prior approval from Council’s bookings management team, including a clearly defined and approved timeframe. In contrast, the Performance and Events Space (the Amphitheatre) has been specifically planned to accommodate events requiring acoustics and sound amplification, making it the more suitable location for performances and public gatherings involving sound.

How will access to Putney Park be improved?

While introducing new bus routes would require long-term coordination with Transport for NSW, the Putney Park Masterplan acknowledges the importance of enhancing connectivity through other practical means. A key proposal is the potential connection to Kissing Point Park via a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway, as also identified in the Ryde Riverwalk Plan. In addition, the Masterplan recommends improved signage linking the park to the Putney Village Town Centre and proposes working with Transport for NSW to install directional signage at Mortlake Ferry Wharf, encouraging greater use of the vehicle ferry (punt) for pedestrian access to the park.

Is the Mortlake Ferry currently operating?

Transport for NSW is upgrading the infrastructure at Mortlake and Putney ferry wharves with the ferry expected to temporarily close from mid-July while they carry out maintenance works. 

For questions, including ferry closure dates or to receive project updates, contact Transport Projects on 1800 684 490 or projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit Transport’s Mortlake Ferry Upgrade Project.

Is the upgrade of the regional playground included in the scope of the Putney Park Masterplan?

Community engagement occurred on the regional playground upgrade in May 2025. Feedback is being considered in the finalisation of the playground’s design and has been used to inform the Masterplan. The current upgrade of the regional playground is included in Council’s Delivery Plan budgeted for in the 2026/27 financial year. It is being delivered as a separate scope of works from the Masterplan. While the playground is located within the park, its renewal is being progressed independently to ensure a focused approach to its design, funding, and delivery. The Masterplan acknowledges this separate project and complements it by improving the surrounding landscape and park infrastructure.

Will any other park infrastructure be proposed as part of the Masterplan?

The Putney Park Masterplan includes a range of proposed infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing user experience and safety. These may include upgraded seating and picnic areas, new shelters, drinking fountains, bike racks, wayfinding signage, and improved lighting in key areas. The plan also considers the introduction of low-impact infrastructure to support small community events and gatherings, all while maintaining the park’s natural character and heritage values.

What measures is City of Ryde taking to conserve the natural environment in Putney?

The Pellisier Bushcare Group is the dedicated volunteer group actively involved in managing and restoring the natural bushland areas of Putney Park. Supported by the City of Ryde, the group undertakes regular activities such as weed removal, native planting, and habitat restoration along the foreshore and bushland sections of the park. 

What measures is City of Ryde taking to combat any potential sea-level rise affecting park developments along the Parramatta River?

Following the successful completion of the new Putney Beach swim site and the adjacent seawall upgrade, the City of Ryde is also upgrading the remaining foreshore seawall. With the support of the NSW State Government’s ‘Coastal and Estuary’ grant program, this project will help prevent erosion, protect the riverbanks, and enhance public safety throughout Putney Park. 

The seawall will serve as a physical barrier that protects park infrastructure, public spaces, and natural habitats while maintaining safe public access to the river’s edge. Saltmarsh planting along the new sea wall will form a vital part of the park’s ecological resilience strategy. These native salt-tolerant plants help stabilise the shoreline, improve water quality by filtering pollutants. For more information on the Putney Park Seawall Rehabilitation works, refer to the project page.

Next Steps

Following the Have Your Say and public exhibition period (23 July - 3 September 2025), Council will consider the feedback received. This will contribute to the finalisation of the draft Masterplan and further refine the draft Plan of Management.

Once finalised, it's expected that the draft Masterplan and draft Plan of Management will be considered for adoption at the Council meeting in December 2025. If adopted by Council, there will be a staged implementation of the Masterplan.

Hard Copies of the Draft Plan of Management

Hard copies of the exhibited Draft Plan of Management are available for viewing at:

Customer Service Centre | 1 Pope Street, Ryde
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
(Note: second Thursday of each month 10.00am - 5.00pm)

North Ryde Office Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm

City of Ryde Libraries
Click here to view the City of Ryde Libraries location and operating hours.

HAVE YOUR SAY

You can Have Your Say on the Putney Park - Draft Masterplan and Plan of Management via the online survey, online submission form, e-mail, post or by attending a drop-in session.

Feedback closes at 11.59pm Wednesday 3 September 2025.

The below survey and form are intended for feedback only. Please direct any questions/enquiries to cityofryde@ryde.nsw.gov.auIf you are unable to complete the survey and/or form online or require assistance, please contact Customer Service on 9952 8222.


Online Survey - Draft Masterplan

To provide your feedback on the Draft Masterplan, complete the online survey.

Complete the Online Survey


Online Submissions - Draft Plan of Management

To provide your feedback on the Draft Plan of Management, complete the online submission form.

Complete the Online Submission Form


Written Submissions

Written submissions must be clearly marked as ‘Putney Park - Draft Masterplan' or 'Putney Park - Draft Plan of Management' and can be sent to:


Drop-in Sessions

You're invited to come and meet with Council's Project Team, ask any questions you may have and provide your feedback. 

Where: Putney Park, Pellisier Road, Putney (near the playground)

Drop-in Session 1
When: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: Anytime between 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Drop-in Session 2
When: Saturday 9 August 2025
Time: Anytime between 10am - 12pm


Privacy Notification

Personal information collected from you is held and used by Council under the provisions of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. The supply of information is voluntary, however if you cannot provide, or do not wish to provide the information sought, Council may be unable to process your application or request, or consider your submission. Please note that the exchange of information between the public and Council, may be accessed by others and could be made publicly available under the Government Information Public Access Act 2009 (GIPA Act). If you require further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9952 8222.

Location

Putney Park, Pellisier Road, Putney 2112  View Map

Google Map

Minister’s consent has been received to exhibit the draft Plan of Management for Putney Park. Consent was also granted to alter the initial assigned categorisation of part of Crown Reserve 500341 to include the categories of Park, General Community Use and Natural Area, in accordance with the mapping provided in the draft plan.

The City of Ryde was appointed Trust Manager of the Crown Reserve 500341 (Lot 1, DP 320571) on and Crown Reserve 100005 (Lot 881, DP 752035) on 6 May 2011. With the commencement of the Crown Land Management Act 2016 Council became Crown Land Manager. The City of Ryde is responsible for the care, control, and management of the Crown Reserves for their reservation purpose being Public Recreation. The Reserves are managed as if they were classified community land under the Local Government Act 1993. The remainder of Putney Park is community land under the ownership of the City of Ryde