officials from all the competing nations standing in ordered lines under their country's banner on Henson Park. During the games crowds regularly exceeded 40 000. The velodrome surrounding the playing field was removed during the late 1970s and replaced by a grass running track used for local school athletics carnivals. In 2011/12 a $920,000 Henson Park upgrade was funded by the Australian Government Community Infrastructure Grants program. And was announced prior to the 2010 federal election to upgrade facilities in the Park. Installation of electronic scoreboard. Replacement of asbestos roofing on grandstand and waterproofing and repainting of grandstand. Resurfacing of forecourt of grandstand to provide ramp access. Refurbishment of public toilets and the canteen. Further upgrades were completed in 2022 (see Australian rules football section). Sites Charlie Meader Memorial Gates The Henson Park gates on the Centennial Street entrance were named as the "Charlie Meader Memorial Gates" in 2001 as a dedication to the memory and the recognition of Mr Meader's work as caretaker/groundskeeper of Henson Park for many years. Mr Meader joined Marrickville Council at the age of 16, and continued working there for another 53 years and was the longest serving council employee. Mr Meader was also the son of a former employee of the brick pit. Jack Chaseling Drive Jack Chaseling was one of the greatest of all Newtown Rugby League officials. He worked tirelessly for 32 years for the club. He was a delegate for the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and also served on many sub-committees with NSWRL. He was manager for the 1935 Australian Kangaroos tour of New Zealand. Marrickville Council acknowledged his work by naming the Sydenham Road entrance "Jack Chaseling Drive". Facilities Henson Park has changed little since it was first opened. On the western side is the King George V Memorial Grandstand, which accommodates about 1000 people. During the 1980s, when the high-profile adman John Singleton was club's chief benefactor, attempts were made to take the traditionally working-class Bluebags up-market. The upper section, named the Jet Set Lounge, at one stage was enclosed with glass and waiters served members and their guests food and drinks. From the north west to the south-east side of the ground runs a grass hill - one of the largest in Sydney. From the south east to the west, there is a bitumen bank where cars can park. About 200 cars can fit and it