Expert Advice and Community Labor: The Work of the South Australian Playgrounds Association 1944–1949

In Australia, during and immediately following the Second World War, the provision of children’s playgrounds was deemed important, not only for children’s welfare but also for community cohesion and national defense. Within this context, this article investigates the work of the government funded National Fitness Council and the South Australian Playgrounds Association (SAPA), with emphasis on their co-operation to secure new sites for playgrounds and advise on their design. In particular, the role of the Secretary of the SAPA, Helen Black, who was primarily responsible for providing playground advice and sketch designs, is examined. The article also explores key elements in developing playgrounds for children – the utilization of voluntary labor and the co-operation of government bodies with municipal authorities, local individuals, voluntary associations, and businesses. Finally, the article investigates how the SAPA became instrumental in increasing the number and quality of playgrounds in South Australia and how, partly due to this work, local playgrounds came to be seen as an essential part of the postwar welfare landscape.