Lake Macquarie History

Return to Previous Page

Provide feedback on this item Do you have information, corrections, or photographs which could improve the accuracy of this page? If yes please click here to email us.

Media

Speers Point Park

  • Speers Point Park

    Photo Ref: 709

    20 acres and 2 roods (8.7 hectares) was purchased by the government from Mr. Spiers, and this was gazetted on 25 May 1887 as 'Lake Macquarie Park'. The park was officially opened on 22 May 1888, with great fanfare. Mr Abel who had been appointed Chairman of a Board of Trustees established to care for Park , described it as 'this beautiful site with a magnificent view', and forecast that the Park would 'undoubtedly become the favourite pleasure resort of the district.' Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Melville, wives of MLA's, planted trees. Although gazetted 'Lake Macquarie Park', it was to have been called 'Fletcher Park' after the popular MLA James Fletcher. In defiance of this, the rebel mining communities always referred to it as 'Speers Point Park', and later on, affectionately as Speerses' From 1887-1911 the Park was controlled by a Trust consisting of E. and T. Abel, A. Cook, D. Walker, T. Bousefield, J. Simpson, W.Bower, T. McRae, J. Bower and W. Morris.

  • Related search terms
    landmarks
    speers point

    Acknowledgement of Country

    We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

    Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

    This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

    If you experience any issues with the website or its content please contact us [email protected]