Fire damage closes play equipment during school holidays

A section of play equipment at Thornlands Community Park could be closed off for about five months after being damaged by fire early last week.

A plastic slide, climbing play equipment, shade sail and soft fall rubber were all damaged.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was disappointed by the damage in the popular park, particularly as it occurred in the week leading up to the September school holidays.

“This a dreadful act against the local community and our sporting groups that not only disrupts the community’s use and enjoyment of facilities, but comes at a significant cost to the community,” Cr Williams said.

“Unfortunately, this area of the park may still be closed during the peak Christmas holiday period due to supply issues for replacement equipment and contractor availability.

“The impacted area has been closed off with temporary fencing and corflute signage and we urge park users to stay away from the area.

“Council crews have also removed the soft fall bark and the plastic slide, but no additional works will take place over the school holidays.

“Other areas of the park will remain open.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said he was also disappointed by the incident.

“Council strongly condemns any damage and theft caused to community facilities and will do everything we can to help with the fight against vandalism,” Cr Golle said.

“Fortunately, Council has temporary CCTV cameras positioned in the park and that footage was provided to police to support investigations.”

Deputy Mayor and Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said Council would also need to repair a lighting tower at Sel Outridge Park, Redland Bay after copper wiring was stolen overnight on Wednesday 6 September.

“The vandalism and theft of about 400 metres of copper wiring at Sel Outridge Park is very disappointing,” Cr Talty said.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the theft of the copper wiring had resulted in only one of the lighting towers now being operational.”

“Power has been decommissioned from the site until repairs can be completed, hopefully by the end of this week,” Cr Edwards said.

Residents and visitors are urged to report illegal or suspicious behaviour in Council parks to Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers by phoning 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.