Arthur Fairall Playground to be demolished
The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority regrets to announce that the Arthur Fairall Playground will be demolished in October 2026.
The playground, located in May Drive Parkland, is more than two decades old and has reached the end of its useable life.
BGPA acknowledges that this will cause disappointment for our visitors and this is not a decision that has been made lightly.
An external engineering assessment of the playground was commissioned in June-August 2026 to evaluate the condition of the playground and whether remediation works could be undertaken.
The assessment found that the poles of the playground had become structurally unsound and posed a risk to visitor safety. The report indicated that the significance of the damage would make repairs no longer viable.
As a result, BGPA has made the difficult decision to close the playground permanently and demolish the structure to allow for future site development and design.
In the short term, the site will undergo landscaping works to remediate the area and provide an additional dwell time location for visitors in May Drive Parkland.
BGPA understands that May Drive Parkland is a popular place for families. Alternative play opportunities will be investigated as part of a broader review of the May Drive Parkland precinct.
Lycopod Island remains open and provides an alternative play space for visitors to the area.
BGPA apologises for any disappointment caused and thanks the public for their understanding.
