Swanfels Pioneers’ Memorial Park
1870s – Early Timber Milling in the Valley
Timber, primarily red cedar and hoop pine, was abundant in the valley and was first cut using small pit mills from around 1870. In 1884, the railway line from Warwick to Yangan opened, providing a more efficient way to transport timber logs to steam-powered sawmills in Warwick, replacing the slower pit saws. Logs were cut in upper Swanfels and hauled by bullock and horse teams to the railway at Yangan.
1886 – The Birth of the Swanfels Reserve
Due to the long distance, the bullock teams camped where they crossed Swan Creek, about halfway to Yangan. This camping ground was proclaimed a Camping Reserve on 15 March 1886, covering 11 acres, which later became 6 acres when the road was moved.


1922 – Transition to the Swanfels Recreation Reserve
As trucks gradually replaced bullock teams, the reserve was no longer needed for camping. Local residents built two ant-bed tennis courts, fenced and they were officially opened on 3 March 1922 by Mr A. Deacon, MLA.
On 28 January 1926, following an application to the Lands Department, the camping reserve officially became the Swanfels Recreation Reserve. A concrete cricket pitch was added, and a touring English team reportedly watched a local match there.
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1983 – The Threat of Sale
With improved roads and cars, the tennis courts fell into disuse. In 1983, the Lands Department decided to sell the reserve. This decision sparked protests from local residents, and a public meeting was held on 28 February 1983, attended by over 40 people.
It was decided to apply to the Lands Department to keep the land as a park, and the sale was ultimately cancelled.
1984 – Closure of Swanfels School
By 1984, the nearby Swanfels School, which opened in 1892 with 52 students had closed, the Swanfels Hall had been sold and moved, and the local churches were no longer standing. In light of these changes, the community rallied to preserve the area as a vital public space.

1985 – Saving the Playshed
In 1985, the Education Department agreed to sell the Swanfels School playshed for use at the reserve, built in 1904 from timber cut in the valley. The playshed had both sentimental and practical value. It was purchased for $195, which included two toilets, a tank, and a tank stand.
The shed was moved to Swanfels Park on 19 July 1985 for $600, funded entirely by donations and fundraising. Volunteers also contributed by fencing the reserve, planting trees, and completing other improvements, such as installing a grid and erecting the entrance timber, which came from the valley. The wheels came from the wagon of “Peter the Dane”, one of the early teamsters and the steel in the grid from the old Yangan railway line.


1986 – Opening of the Swanfels Pioneer Memorial Park
The Swanfels Pioneer Memorial Park was officially opened on 26 April 1986 by Isabella Zachrisen, the oldest living person born in the valley. Over 1,500 people attended the opening, which featured a parade from Mahony’s to the park. Visitors were encouraged to dress in period clothing. Following this, there was a stock brand burning ceremony at the brand post, a crosscut sawing competition, the dedication of a cross, and an open-air dance on the tennis courts in the evening.




1996 – Council Involvement
The park became a hub for many community events, including weddings, reunions, Christmas parties, and the annual school reunion.. For several years, the park was managed by a committee using voluntary labour and donations to maintain the facilities. However, due to factors such as public liability concerns, this arrangement could not continue, and responsibility for the park was taken over by the Warwick Shire Council in 1996. An amount of $1162 was given to the council. under the agreement that the Council would maintain the area. The park has since hosted many successful “Christmas Trees” events, attracting both current and former residents, along with others connected to the area. Santa has made his grand entrance at these celebrations in a variety of ways. Over the years, the park has become a vital community gathering space and a welcome stop for travellers.
2016 – Termite Damage and Demolition
In recent years, the Council allowed termite damage to a small section of the playshed’s roof. Locals had planned to repair it with volunteer labour, but in December 2016, the Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) commissioned Osborne Engineers to inspect the shed. The report highlighted termite damage to the rafters, and the Council allocated $20,000 for repairs.
However, in January 2017, the SDRC demolished both the play shed and the tennis shed without any warning or consultation with locals, and again planned to sell the park. This decision sparked public outrage, leading to meetings, a petition, and media coverage.




2017 – Replica Playshed Plans
Facing public pressure, the Council agreed to build a replica of the original playshed. Plans were found, and construction of the new shed began in late 2017.


2018 – Reopening the New Playshed
The new playshed was officially reopened on 21 April 2018, marked by another street parade from Mahony’s to the park, continuing the community’s legacy of involvement and celebration. This event symbolised the continued commitment of local residents to preserving the park’s rich history and a new chapter in the park’s story, ensuring that the space would continue to be a gathering place into the future.
Park opening 1986 https://swanfels.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/park-opening-86.pdf
Swanfels Recreation Reserve tennis combined