McLeod reserve

pretty small park with pinky trees.
I really like it.

From the Hume Highway, there's not much you can see of McLeod Reserve with the exception of the carpark, two stone lanterns and what looks like a red torii gate shrouded by overgrown foliage.

I've noticed it a few times when I've been stuck in traffic and decided to finally have a sticky beak when I stopped at the nearby McDonalds for lunch to see if I could work out why there's a very Japanese theme to the park.

Apparently the lanterns were a gift in 1995 from the Japanese City of Suita, located in Osaka Prefecture, in commemoration of Bankstown being established as a City.

Inscribed in the back of the lanterns are also the crest/emblem of Suita, featuring a peace dove/pigeon.

Looking at other photos of this location, it seems that during springtime, there are also a few cherry blossom (sakura) trees that line the lower pathway, so it would make for a lovely place to visit during that time.

It's a shame that the council haven't really made efforts to maintain or promote this location as it definitely could be top drawcard in the local area.

As it stands, I'd give the location a rating of 4 stars, but it easily could be 5 if it was maintained slightly better.

A good place to eat your McDonald's from the newly opened McDonald's just up the road. If you look carefully in the bushes, you'll probably see the rabbits who like to hide after they've been disturbed eating the grass in the park. Thanks to the council for providing a nice place to duck away from bustle of the nearby Hume Highway.

Great place to relax and let the kids play but the council need to send some weekly to pick up the litter which comes for the passing cars on the Hume Highway.