Insight

Dora Greenwood: A Pioneer for Play

Dec 2024·3 min read

Walking along the foreshore in Eastbourne recently, I came across Greenwood Park and the plaque in the photo. I was instantly intrigued and read the interpretive board alongside it (you just have to love a good interp board).

The abridged version of the board goes: Ellen Theodora ("Dora") Greenwood settled in Eastbourne in the 1920s and became concerned that new housing on Eastbourne's sandhills was leaving local children with few natural play areas.

So, Dora gifted a piece of land to the local borough for the "purposes of children's play for ever". She made one stipulation: that the land be kept in "rough, natural condition so that children could play freely, using their imaginations."

So many good messages in here, from so long ago. Sometimes the simplest spaces can be the most valuable.

Originally published on rslc.nz.

Keep reading.

All insights →
Recent update · 4-part series

Local Government Reform: What It Means for Recreation, Sport & Community Services

On the 7th of May the NZ government announced a 'simplification' of Local Government in New Zealand - proposing the replacement of regional councils and amalgamations of territorial authorities. RSL is releasing a four-article series to help the sector navigate it.

May 2026 · 6 min readRead →
Insight

Shipping Containers in Community Sport: Affordable Asset or Public Eyesore?

In this day and age is there a place for shipping containers as part of the facility mix at community sport and recreation venues?

May 2026 · 5 min readRead →
Insight

A Century Strong: Celebrating 100 Years of the Balcairn Hall

Te Kaha was not the only facility to celebrate a milestone in Canterbury over ANZAC weekend. On a warm autumnal day it was heartening to pop into the Balcairn Hall.

Apr 2026 · 4 min readRead →