Dean Reserve

Dean Reserve sits on Dean Street beside the Cooks River in Strathfield South, and the regional Bay to Bay walk and cycleway runs straight through it. That paved river link is the reason to come, with dogs on a lead.

Lead rules

Strathfield Council has not made Dean Reserve an off-lead area, so dogs stay on a lead across the park and paths. The council's off-lead areas include Elliott Reserve, Allen Street Reserve and Bressington Park.

The walk

The path is paved concrete and easy going for prams and walkers. You pass open grass fields, a big playground with a climbing net and flying fox, a dirt bike track and views over the river.

Shade cloths cover the play structures, and there are seats plus picnic and barbecue facilities. Because the reserve joins the Bay to Bay route, you can keep walking along the river as far as you like.

Make a day of it

Follow the river path to the leash-free area at Elliott Reserve for off-lead time, then grab a coffee at Garden House Cafe in Enfield.

Locals walk it steadily through the mornings and afternoons. Give the busy playground a wide berth, and bring water for the dog.