This article was published on Off Campus on the 6th of May

The City of Sydney Council has put forward a proposal to change the name of the historic Elizabeth McCrea Playground to Kepos Street Playground, to better reflect its geographical location.

The council recently refurbished the playground, claiming that it would provide a better experience for children and their families within the local Redfern area.

After a vote of six to three, the council gave in-principle approval to change the name to the Kepos Street Playground; providing residents 28 days to give feedback.

When asked what the positive effects of the name change could be, Liberal Councillor Christine Forster, who voted against the change, said: “I can’t see any. This is a park that was named after a well-known local identity, and I think the name should be retained.”

The park was named after Elizabeth McCrea, a strong advocate for mothers and babies’ welfare in NSW and Redfern particularly, when it was opened in 1953, three years after her death.

Independent Councillor Kerryn Phelps, who also voted against the change, stressed the importance of public spaces reflecting the local history of Sydney.

“What better way to mark the contribution of our local heroes than through the naming of public green spaces, which are frequented and enjoyed by the community – particularly families and young people?” she said.

In 2017 the City of Sydney named three new pocket parks and public spaces after influential women from Sydney’s history. State Library senior curator Margot Riley told UTS student publication Central News that it is uncommon for public spaces to be named after women.

The Sustainable 2030 plan indicates that changing the name to the Kepos Street Playground would help visitors to better find the park.

At the March council meeting, Councillor Philip Thalis defended the proposal. He detailed the long history of Kepos street as a nursery and market garden in the 1820s and pointed out that Kepos is the Greek word for garden.

The name change will be placed on public exhibition until the 25^th of May, and the community can give feedback here.