Community News

Playful Places: Bringing More Play to Henderson Park!

Thornbury Primary School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Darebin City Council for supporting our Playful Places: Student-Led Activation of Our Local Park project through the Youth Projects Grant Program 2025-2026.

Throughout 2025, students in Years 2–6 shared their ideas about how Henderson Park could better support play, physical activity and enjoyment for our school community. Following consultation with Darebin Council’s Open Spaces team, students and staff explored practical ways to make the most of this wonderful local space.

The project focused on listening to students and responding to what they enjoy most about the park. Our students love using the natural spaces for imaginative play, the grassed areas for soccer and footy, and the playground for games and socialising.

Thanks to the grant, we were able to purchase portable soccer goals, field line-marking equipment and trolleys to transport equipment between the school and the park. These resources have supported active play and have given our students more opportunities to enjoy Henderson Park during recess and lunchtime while the new build has limited our school yard.

Although our plans evolved as we considered the school's building works and the park's upcoming revitalisation, the project remained focused on what matters most: creating opportunities for children to play, move, connect and enjoy the outdoors.

We are grateful to Darebin City Council for investing in our students and helping us make better use of our local park. Thank you for supporting student voice, active play and a stronger connection between our school and the wider community!