Inscription from Norford Park Memorial Plaque
Norford Park was created in 1981 to provide a new venue for rugby league matches. It began with a single playing field developed on land formerly owned by the Water Board (now Sydney Water).
The original facilities included an amenities block, goalposts, spectator embankments and a canteen. The official opening of Norford Park was held on 13 September 1981 at the end of the competition season. More facilities followed in 1982 and training lights were erected on the eastern side of the field in 1983 which were later upgraded for night competitions.
The Park’s second field was developed between 1991 - 1993 ready for the 1994 playing season. It was formerly a Chinese market garden owned by the Wong family. The NSW Government acquired the property from Lennard Wong in 1988 and then transferred it to Parramatta Council to extend the Park. The new No. 2 Field quickly became known as the Lloyd Newman Field.
Joe Dougall, OAM (1924 - 2011)
Joseph Tancred Dougall was born in Malta and came to Australia after World War II. He settled in South Granville where he worked in a local factory and later at Westmead Hospital. An interest in politics led him to serve as an Alderman on Parramatta Council from 1973 - 1983.
Joe helped to found Norford Park, identifying the site as an option and took an active interest in its progress and ongoing utilisation. No. 1 Field was known unofficially as the Joe Dougall Field for almost two decades before it was named on 5 September 1999.
Reg Norford (1916 - 2004)
Reg John Norford was born and raised in Granville. He became a mechanic with the NSW Railways and served with the Citizen Militia Forces during World War II. Reg was first elected to Parramatta Council as an ALP candidate on 1 December 1962 and served until 23 September 1983, representing Granville Ward. Reg and fellow Alderman, Joe worked closely together on Ward matters including the establishment of Norford Park which bears his name.
Lloyd Newman, (1944 - )
Lloyd Newman played a leading role in the formation and development of Norford Park, from its inception until 2019.
He was a founding member of the Park Committee who worked tirelessly to improve Norford Park’s facilities and to ensure it was well patronised.
No. 2 Playing Field was named after Lloyd for both his efforts to bring the project to fruition and his years of dedication to Norford Park.
After 10 years of leasing arrangements with his Rugby League Association, Lloyd continued his relationship with Norford Park as a grounds co-ordinator on behalf of Parramatta City Council and the NSW Rugby League until 2019.
Lloyd was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
