Council will investigate restoring Woonona’s historic Pendlebury Park

The historic gates to Woonona’s Pendlebury Park. Picture: Rita Roberts

AFTER representation from councillors, Jenelle Rimmer and Mithra Cox, Wollongong City Council will investigate upgrading Woonona’s long-neglected Pendlebury Park.

The Bulli Times contacted the two ward one councillors after concern was raised on social media regarding the neglected state of the park.

Community concern was raised over the overgrown gardens, broken brickwork on fencing, and a memorial fountain, which no longer operates. The fountain was dedicated to Joseph Pendlebury.

The Pendlebury family were responsible for pioneering the brick manufacturing industry in the Illawarra region. Thomas Pendlebury established the Woonona brickworks in 1898.

The memorial fountain at Pendlebury Park, Woonona. Picture: Rita Roberts

After The Bulli Times contacted Councillors Cox and Rimmer, who in turn requested Council staff consider adding the park to the capital works program. The park wasn’t previously on the list.

As a result, Council’s recreation services manager, Mark Bond said an investigation into issues at the park, including the restoration of the fountain, gardens, historic gates, walls and fences will now be undertaken.

Council’s Heritage coordinator has advised that further investigations are required prior to any works due to the heritage status of some of the elements in the park, such as the wrought iron gates and fountain. Once complete, the findings will help to create a plan of action, with funding sought for works in future years.

For more on the history of Pendlebury Park visit: Woonona rest park remembers pioneering brickmaker, Thomas Pendlebury at the Looking Back website.

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