Was Hollis Park named after a prince or a saint? Actually it was named after a local resident and MLA, Robert Hollis. Welcome to Hollis Park in Newtown. This park is more than just a green space. It is a tapestry woven from history and community spirit.
Hollis Park is bounded by Warrenball Avenue, Wilson Street, Fitzroy Street and Georgina Street. This seemingly simple park has a fascinating backstory.
Let’s step back in time. This area was once part of William Bligh’s grant of 1806. Yes, that’s the Captain Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame. His descendants sold part of the estate in 1834. Later, John Icke Kettle acquired it in 1846. Kettle subdivided the land in 1851 for housing. After his death in 1882, the land was further divided into its present form.
In 1892, part of the subdivision was intended for Kingston Public School. However the school was never built. The park site comprises part of the old public school land and part of the Kettle subdivision land. L’Avenue Road, originally called Kettle Avenue, bounded it to the north. Georgina Street, named after Kettle’s daughter, bordered it to the west. Grand terrace houses were constructed along these streets between 1885 and 1890.
Take a look at the granite obelisk mounted on a concrete base. It was erected in 1932 by Newtown Council and the Citizens’ Committee. This commemorates Mr Warren Ball JP. Ball was known as ‘the Prince of Charity’. He owned Gillies furniture shop in nearby King Street. The street at the intersection was renamed Warren Ball Avenue in the 1920s. It is now known as Warrenball Avenue.
Now let’s talk about Robert Hollis. He lived in Newtown from 1884. Hollis was Vice President of the Newtown Jubilee Committee. He was a founder of the Newtown Literary and Debating Society. Hollis was also a foundation member of the Redfern Labor League in 1891. He served as MLA for Newtown from 1901 to 1917. Furthermore he was a director of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from 1913 until 1933. Hollis Park was named in his honor.
Notice how Hollis Park looks formally planned? It is actually an accumulation of land parcels and resumptions. Its origin was probably to enhance the development of the surrounding real estate. It provided a tennis court, a children’s playground, and recreation area. This was all for the residents, along the lines of a London square.
Dominating the landscape are the Moreton Bay Figs along Fitzroy Street, planted around 1892. Also there is a group of Lombardy Poplars. These flank the path from Wilson Street and were planted in the late 1940s.
Today, Hollis Park is a vibrant community hub. It is filled with people having picnics and parties. The park is only one block from King Street. Children laugh on the playground equipment. Families relax under the shade of the Moreton Bay Figs.
The yellow boat is a beloved feature of Hollis Park. It sparks imagination play for toddlers. There are also rockers nearby. Kids enjoy the rock-climbing wall and slides. A big climbing frame challenges older children.
Hollis Park is more than just a park. It is a living testament to Newtown’s history and community. From its origins as part of William Bligh’s grant to its current role as a recreational haven. It is a place where the past and present intertwine. As you leave Hollis Park, remember its story. It is a story of land, community, and the people who shaped it.