January 2025 - Council is finalising investigation reports and engaging specialist contractors to carry out the necessary remediation works. While the park is tentatively scheduled to reopen in mid to late 2025, this reopening will be temporary. The park is expected to close again in early 2026 to allow for construction activities associated with the exciting Blenheim Park Masterplan, which will amplify activity on this popular recreation area for the long-term benefit of our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address these challenges and work towards delivering a safe and improved park for everyone to enjoy.
October 2024 - Blenheim Park in North Ryde will remain closed until further notice following a draft report from Council’s environmental consultants which revealed the discovery of additional asbestos, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals within the park grounds.
The park has been closed since Monday 26 August 2024 while this comprehensive investigation is carried out in accordance with best practices and expert guidance.
The Blenheim Park Masterplan aims to improve recreational facilities to enhance access and promote active community use. During the design phase of the Masterplan implementation, routine due diligence testing revealed isolated contamination, leading to further detailed investigations that began in September.
City of Ryde will now implement interim site management measures in preparation for the final report, due at the end of October. This report will aid Council in determining a plan for the remediation of the site and construction of the park as per the Masterplan.
Council will continue to work in collaboration with its environmental consultants, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and SafeWork NSW to ensure the site is appropriately remediated.
As a public safety precaution, Council is instructing nearby residents and park users to strictly adhere to directives and avoid entering the park while the process is ongoing.
Council will continue to keep the community informed of any developments relating to the Blenheim Park investigation and remediation timelines.
August 2024 - The City of Ryde is currently investigating the discovery of asbestos, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals at isolated locations within Blenheim Park, North Ryde. This contamination was identified during routine due diligence testing in preparation for the Blenheim Park Masterplan.
Council’s environmental consultants and staff have conducted initial inspections of the affected areas, taking steps to identify and remove any potentially hazardous materials. A comprehensive investigation will be conducted across the entire park from Monday 26 August 2024 to ensure all areas are thoroughly assessed.
To ensure public safety, Blenheim Park will be temporarily closed while this detailed investigation is carried out in accordance with best practices and expert guidance.
The closure is being undertaken as a precautionary measure only to secure the site while the investigation takes place. The contaminants were discovered beneath the surface and pose no risk to public safety while undisturbed.
Contamination is commonly found in parks that were subject to land fill works conducted in the 1960s and Blenheim Park’s creek line was filled circa 1965.
It is important to note that no construction work has commenced in the park, the site remains undisturbed, and no external materials have been introduced.
This discovery is unrelated to the Council’s recent audit of mulch used in garden beds and playgrounds within the Local Government Area, which found no evidence of asbestos contamination.
Council will keep the community informed of any developments relating to the Blenheim Park investigation.