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Marton Park

Marton Park consists of two distinct areas, one being an extensive playing field, the other freshwater wetlands. In 1945 Sutherland Shire Council acquired the triangular shaped block of the existing wetland between Captain Cook Drive, Solander Street and Cook Street in Kurnell, and reclaimed a portion of it by draining it and filling it with rubble and soil to form what today is Marton Park oval (below).
The wetlands contain pockets of Estuary Swamp Forest and on the Peninsula this includes species such as Coastal wattle, Bangalay, Swamp She Oak, Cabbage Tree Palm, Bracken Fern, Gristle Fern, Common Reed, Cattail and others. In 2001, species found in the wetlands were listed as an Endangered Ecological Community.
Unfortunately, like other areas on the Peninsula, the Marton Park wetlands are affected by weeds such as lantana, bitou bush and green cestrum.

In 2001 proposals were developed by the local residents Association and Sutherland Shire Council to establish a Marton Park Heritage Walk to be centred on the freshwater wetlands.

The theme of the walk was to be Australia's history, including Aboriginal history and culture, Captain Cook, and European settlement through to Kurnell's modern history. Several rest areas reflect a different aspect of Kurnell including its natural and cultural heritage. The track is designed to provide a striking display for overflying air passengers.

The cost of the project is estimated to be about $70,000.
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