Holdsworth Community: An inclusive space for future generations

It is not often one gets the chance to make a fresh start and think about how best to cater for the widest range of users but that was the case when Woollahra Council agreed to renovate the Holdsworth Playground.

The Holdsworth Community Playground, first opened in 1940, has been extensively rebuilt with exciting new equipment and with synthetic grass replacing the rubber softfall and new trees and garden beds. The new playground is a treasure trove of adventure for young children and families with brand new equipment including a pirate ship, nest swing and a large sandpit. The design also incorporates special sensory equipment to ensure the space is welcoming to children living with disabilities and sensory issues.

Staff, parents and children are thrilled with the results of the new playground and many more families from around the area are enjoying the space which is welcoming to children living with disabilities. This is something Holdsworth has been wanting to do for some time given the extent of our work with children and the importance of accessible play opportunities. Children can swing, jump, squeeze, sniff, feel and listen as well as having spaces for quiet times.

The playground was re-dedicated to the community on Friday 19 August with the Prime Minister and Member for Wentworth, The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, the Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Toni Zeltzer and Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, in attendance. To celebrate the dedication, Holdsworth Family Services hosted a special pirate party for local families and an amazing cake to match.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who contributed funding to the project through the Stronger Communities Programme, recalled having been at Holdsworth with his children and grandson. His daughter Daisy, her husband James and their son Pirate Jack were there to join in the fun.

Woollahra Council provided the bulk of the funding for the upgrade with additional money from Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, through the Community Building Partnership program, and from local families. Georgia Cleary made a generous donation of the Nest Swing.

Holdsworth Community Playgroup has resumed in the new playground every Monday to Friday morning during school term, with record numbers attending each day so far.

For more information on the Holdsworth Community, see their website.

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