Playground

The George Gregan Foundation opened its first interactive outdoor playground at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead on 5th October 2006. With major partners Mirvac and Backyard Blitz, the playground was completed in three weeks and was officially opened by the Foundation’s very special Ambassador, Katie Power.

The project was based on Australian and international research and close consultation with The Children's Hospital at Westmead to design an accessible and equitable play environment for children with and without disabilities.

This playground has an aquatic theme and is filled with surprise water elements including sculptures of tortoises, crabs, fish, seal, walrus and an enormous octopus rising from the (fibre optic) river bed.  The major focus of the playground is a giant pirate ship complete with sound effects on the gangway, which was very generously donated by Cure Our Kids.

To maintain the playground the Foundation has built two beautiful curved donor's walls. We would especially love to thank donors who have already supported the Foundation by buying a donor tile on these walls. There are still lots of spaces to fill on the new donor wall and we welcome any donation to this project. Every 3 months we will add new engraved stainless steel tiles to the donor wall which is closely guarded by a magnificent sculpture of 'Sweetheart' the 5m salt water crocodile. Donations to the Foundation will ensure the long term maintenance, upkeep, new play items and many more surprises are constantly added to the playground to entertain the kids and their families while visiting the hospital.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the George Gregan Foundation has installed additional shade structure over the playground and across the adjacent grass area and amphitheatre.  The playground is now accessible in warmer months and the shade has created additional play areas for the kids.  This upgrade and extension was made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors.

'Having the George Gregan Playground makes such a difference to the children and families who come to The Children's Hospital at Westmead - it's a hugely important part of our 'total healing environment' and while the children we treat are very sick, they are still children and play is such an important way of enabling them to express themselves' Tony Penna, Former Chief Executive, The Children’s Hospital, Westmead

Playroom

The Foundation recently funded the refurbishment of a playroom in the neurology ward at The Children’s Hospital in Westmead.  The refurbishment of the Commercial Travellers’ Ward playroom is complete. The structural work (which involved removing an internal wall and closing in a verandah) has been achieved and the playroom is now a big sunny room with a great outlook over the George Gregan Foundation Playground.

Click here for a list of supporters of the Westmead Project.

Click the image on the right for a larger view, or click here for a more detailed version