Hospitals are more than places of treatment – they are spaces where children and families need comfort, connection and joy. Across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, new initiatives like the inclusive playground at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and the first-of-its-kind hospital pet park at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead are reimagining care beyond the ward, showing how play, companionship and community can support children’s healing and wellbeing.  

New hospital playground designed for children’s wellbeing and family connection at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick   

Thanks to the generosity of our donor community, the new Bilima building at Randwick features outdoor spaces designed for families to connect, recharge and have fun with their children. At the heart of these spaces is a transformative new play area, the DeeDee playground, where children can play, explore and simply be kids. 

Informed by patients and families, the playground's design has every child in mind. A striking whale-tail tower integrates climbing frames and slides, while hammocks and netted play zones offer inclusive fun for children with mobility needs. Toddler-friendly spaces, a pebble water feature, shaded seating and vibrant Aboriginal artwork bring colour, culture and meaning to the forecourt plaza.  

Play is essential to a child's wellbeing. It supports emotional regulation, encourages movement and helps children process experiences, all vital elements of healing. This new space offers more than just fun: it gives families a welcoming space for joy, connection and recovery. 

A space for kids at pets to reconnect at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead 

A newly opened and first-of-its-kind pet park at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, gives sick kids the chance to reconnect with their pets in a safe, dedicated outdoor space. The park provides families with a private, secure area to enjoy time together, and create meaningful moments surrounded by all of the family—including beloved family pets that previously couldn't visit.  

For children in hospital, time with their pets can ease anxiety, reduce loneliness and bring a sense of home into the hospital environment. Whether it's a cuddle, a game of fetch or just being near their furry friend, these moments offer powerful emotional support.   

Thanks to donor support, this dedicated park ensures that getting medical care doesn’t mean being denied the healing comfort and joy that only a pet can bring.  A second pet park at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, will open in the future. 

This article is from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation Impact Report for the 2025 financial year.