H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
H J Mahony Memorial Reserve is a sports and recreation reserve on the Cooks River in Marrickville. Its standout feature is a designated off-leash dog area on the sports ground, open at all times except during organised sport. It is also the council's only standalone AFL ground.
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About H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
Off-Leash Dog Area at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
H J Mahony Memorial Reserve has a designated off-leash dog area on its sports ground. Dogs can run free at any time except when organised training or matches are on, and they must be leashed during those sessions. The reserve combines off-leash, on-leash and restricted zones for dogs, and the council publishes a map of the on- and off-leash areas and times. Owners can bring a leashed dog to the barbecue stations as well.
Sports, Skate Plaza and Street Art at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
H J Mahony Memorial Reserve hosts AFL and league training in summer and baseball in winter, and an attached field is used for rugby and AFL. The ground is home to the Newtown Breakaways, a grass roots footy club. Beyond the AFL ground, the reserve has a full-size basketball court and a skate plaza with skate-able concrete seating. Three legal graffiti walls on site display local street art, and commercial fitness training is permitted.
Picnics and Shade at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
H J Mahony Memorial Reserve has a BBQ and picnic area where the barbecues sit under shade, plus a shelter with a picnic setting for covered meals. Mature trees shade much of the grounds, and a shaded area with seating gives visitors a place to rest. The reserve has a drinking bubbler, toilets and change rooms, a memorial garden and dedicated spaces for community events. Walking paths run through the grounds, which look out over panoramic water views and natural floodplain forest along the Cooks River.
Facilities at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
Visitor tips for H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
- ✓Book organised sport with the council ahead of time, as bookings are subject to availability.
- ✓Plan games for days other than Monday, when the sporting grounds are closed except the all-weather fields.
- ✓Grab a coffee from the café on the surrounding streets.
Getting to H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
570 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204, beside the Cooks River. The reserve has its own parking lot, including a wheelchair-accessible space.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Marrickville
- 📍Marrickville Golf Club
- 📍Steel Park
Frequently asked questions about H J Mahony Memorial Reserve
Can dogs go off-leash at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve?
Yes, on the sports ground whenever organised training or matches are not under way; dogs must be on a leash while sport is played.
Are there toilets at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve?
Yes, there are public toilets and change rooms, plus a drinking bubbler.
Is there a playground at H J Mahony Memorial Reserve?
Yes, the reserve has playground equipment for children.
Is H J Mahony Memorial Reserve wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and walking paths run through the grounds.
What are the opening hours of H J Mahony Memorial Reserve?
The reserve is open 24 hours a day, every day.