A big thank you to the more than 300 local community members who shared their ideas during our September consultation on the Pennydale Park playground. Your feedback has guided the concept design, and we’re excited to share what’s coming in early 2026!
What’s included:
- Big play tower for adventurous climbs
- Monkey bars for classic fun
- Three trampolines for energetic bouncing
- Log balance trail for balance challenges
- Sand and water work station for creative play
- Hamster wheel for active movement
- Four swings
- Sling swing and giant basket swing for soaring fun
- Spiral slide for thrilling rides
- Water pump and sand excavator for sensory play
- Play sculpture (log teepee) for imaginative play
- Group spinner and carousel for social spinning
- Music play with sculptural reeds for sound exploration
Why no flying fox?
The flying fox was the most popular choice, but it requires large clear spaces and safety zones that aren’t possible at this site without reducing other play options. Instead, we’ve chosen a variety of compact, accessible equipment to offer more play experiences—including swings, slides, climbing structures, and sensory play. The nearest flying fox to Pennydale Park is a short stroll away at Cheltenham Park Playground, on Park Road.
Beyond the playground
The reserve will also benefit from:
- Refurbished shelter and large shade sails
- BBQ, seating, and drinking fountain
- Connecting accessible pathways to and around the playground
- Fresh paint for the basketball courts
- Over 300 new native plants
This design brings together climbing, swinging, spinning, and sensory experiences to create a space that’s fun, inclusive, and shaped by you—the community who will enjoy it.
Thank you for helping us design this playground. We can’t wait to deliver it in the first half of 2026!
👉 Read the full community engagement report👉 View the concept designs in our gallery below
New playground coming early 2026
Check out the designs below
Consultation closed 28 September 2025
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A new playground is coming to Pennydale Park! 🎉
We want your help to choose what goes in it.
You get play points to spend on different playground equipment.
- Big things cost more points
- Small things cost fewer points
- Use your points to pick your favourites!
The pictures are just examples. They show ideas to help you choose. We might not build exactly what you see, but your choices will help us know what Pennydale kids like best.
We want the playground to be fun for everyone. At least half of the equipment will be easy to use for kids of all abilities.
The most popular choices will help us design the final playground. We hope to build it next year.
Consultation closed 28 September 2025.
Build your dream playground! 🛝
You have 50 play points to spend on your favourite play equipment. Some items cost more than others so only 'like' the ones you love the most!
Meet us at the playground
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Thursday 11 September: 3.30pm – 5pm
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Saturday 13 September: 10am – 11.30am
We’re going to make at least half of the playground equipment accessible and easy to use for kids of all abilities. This could mean the final design including equipment that may not receive highest general support but is supported by those with disability, or selecting accessible versions of popular equipment.
- Accessible / best for inclusion: Communication board, music play, accessible swing, group carousel, in‑ground trampoline, play tower (accessible).
- Partly accessible (with transfer/support or ground‑level alternatives): Spring rocker, nest/basket/hammock swings, standard slides with accessible approaches, sand excavator, water pumps, big/small towers with at‑grade play.
- Generally not accessible: monkey bars, giant climbing nets, net bridge, wobbly log bridge, log balance trail, hamster wheel, flying fox.
