Playground destroyed by kids reopens – with new security cameras

1 hour ago 3

Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent resurrecting a suburban playground on Brisbane’s north side that was destroyed by arsonists 18 months ago.

Fenwick Park on Samford Road in Mitchelton was set alight in the early hours of May 4 last year.

About $400,000 has been spent rebuilding the facility, with slides, hamster wheels, a mini flying fox, swings, a bridge and climbing wall.

The new Fenwick Park playground behind fencing on Thursday, a day before it was due to reopen.

The park features largely the same layout, but now includes Brisbane City Council security cameras to prevent further vandalism.

New trees have also been planted along Samford Road.

“Rebuilding was essential after last year’s arson,” said Councillor Andrew Wines, whose ward of Enoggera takes in the park.

The Fenwick Park playground in Mitchelton after it was set on fire in May, 2024.

“We got started on replacing the playground as soon as a nearby road upgrade was completed.”

The playground remained fenced off on Thursday but was due to open from 3pm on Friday with a ceremony, children’s activities, and an ice-cream truck.

Police confirmed to this masthead that, after a short investigation immediately following the fire, they arrested six children, who were dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

“This project is about more than just replacing play equipment,” Wines said.

The new Fenwick Park playground includes slides, hamster wheels, a flying fox, swings, a bridge and a climbing wall.

“Parks like Fenwick are at the heart of Brisbane’s lifestyle, where families connect, kids make memories, and the community comes together.

“While it was incredibly sad for our community when the playground was burnt down, we’re restoring this playground so locals can get back to enjoying the park.”