The park was established in 1881 through subdivision of the estate of Lieutenant John Birch, acquired by Didier Numa Joubert. Sale of Joubert's allotments fell well short of expectations, and the
Bank of New South Wales foreclosed. The
NSW Government acquired thirty six allotments that led to the formation of the Birchgrove Recreation Ground; and the creation of the subsequent Birchgrove Park Trust. Regarded as the spiritual birthplace of
rugby league in Australia because it hosted the first professional matches in 1908, Birchgrove Oval hosted the official launch of the
2008 NRL season, which celebrated the sport's centenary in Australia.
Australian rules football also has historical links to Birchgrove Park, with NSWFA matches played there from 1903 to 1926. During the
1908 New Zealand Māori rugby league tour of Australia, a
Sydney Metropolitan team hosted a match against the tourists at Birchgrove Park. ==See also==