Community Life - Our park barbies put to the test

Welcome to our first Road Test. This year Ciao’s intrepid road testers will get on their bikes and find the best of the Inner West and warn you off the worst – everything from yoga and pilates classes to bus routes and our beaches will be tested. No one and nothing is safe. First up, Inner West barbecue parks come under the microscope…

With summer finally arriving in Sydney, the sun shining (occasionally) and the birds chirping, the question becomes where is the best place to throw a shrimp on the barbie?

Richard Murden Reserve
Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield
This park has great seating areas under pergolas and a couple of barbies with two burners each that heat up in a matter of minutes. The one closest to the kid’s equipment is in the best condition. If you don’t like foliage with your sausage sizzle, steer clear of the other, which is covered in leaves and burnt food grime that will take ages to clean before you can start cooking your meat. The park’s other facilities – play equipment, sports courts and bike paths – are great.

Battersea Park
Battersea Street, Abbotsford
This little gem is somewhat hidden away andwhile its view of the Parramatta River is lovely, the barbecue facility leaves much to be desired. It took ages to heat up and only one side worked so I was considering cannibalism by the time I got a bite of my sausage. I’m surprised the second group waiting to use the barbie didn’t start chewing on their own arms. Also, a warning: beware of the bindies!

Ballast Point Park
Ballast Point Road, Birchgrove
Well it’s more about landscape design than barbecuing at this park but it’s only recently been reinvigorated, which means nice new barbies that actually work! Just ask around and you’ll find this place is a fave among locals.

Petersham Park
Brighton Street, Petersham
I know some Petersham locals that will be very upset with me for putting this one on the list – they want to keep their precious park all to themselves, and for good reason. The barbecue area is shady and there’s plenty of space for a group to get together and have a party, which is what goes on here every weekend. It’s a very historic park too; the very spot where Don Bradman made his debut.

Robson Park
Boomerang Street, Haberfield
This is a nice big park overlooking the bay, albeit bordered by the City West Link, with just one barbecue. I would recommend it but then I’d have to warn you about the park’s regular ‘resident’ who often sets up house under the play equipment or undercover seats…so let’s just skip this one.

Timbrell Park
Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock
The barbies here are undercover, which is an absolute blessing for the poor bugger on barbecuing duty on a hot summer’s day. Timbrell is a very popular spot for birthday parties and gatherings, across the road from the famous Bay Run, although there are only two barbecues between seven picnic tables so get in early.

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