Hornsby Shire Council restores playground destroyed by vandals

Hornsby Shire Council has advised that a series or repairs and upgrades to a popular playground in the Sydney North Shore suburb of Pennant Hills have begun, six months after the site was damaged by vandals.

Vandalised in December 2023, resulting in unrepairable damage, Hornsby Shire Council responded to community feedback to bring forward the restoration and upgrading of the site.

More than 500 responses were received on a concept for a new design to meet the diverse needs and preferences of local families, as a result of which the upgraded playground will feature a nursery rhyme theme of bright, colourful equipment, complemented by a natural colour palate for the taller structures, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding bush environment. Key features include a tall play tower and monkey bars, which will expand play opportunities for older children - a much-requested addition by the community.

On a recent visit to the construction site, Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said the eagerly anticipated upgrade of the playground has been a community-driven effort, noting “I’m incredibly proud of the community’s involvement in bringing the new Wollundry Park Playground to life and similarly of the work of our staff to deliver this important repair and upgrade so swiftly.

“This is what local government is about: listening to the needs of our community and delivering the services and assets that improve our residents’ lives. The new Wollundry Park Playground will serve as a symbol for that and of the strength and resilience of Hornsby Shire.”

Images: Hornsby Shire Council staff inspect the Wollundry Park Playground (top), vandalism inflicted on the park in December last year (middle) and native wildlife features in the playground’s new design (below). Credit: Hornsby Shire Council.