Tell us what you think of our draft plan for Thornton Reserve Playground

We're upgrading Thornton Reserve Playground in Bellevue Hill to make it a more accessible, safe and enjoyable space.

We recognise this play space provides an important opportunity for community connection and it would benefit from an upgrade.

Feedback closes 11.59pm Thursday 11 December. Check out our draft plans and share your feedback in the form below or come and talk to us at one of our pop-up sessions at Thornton Reserve Playground on Monday 1 December 4pm-5pm or Tuesday 2 December 4pm-5pm.

Why are we upgrading the playground?

The playground was last upgraded in 2005 and was identified to be upgraded in our Woollahra Play Space Strategy.

We recognise the playground is important for the community to connect and a great place for children to be active and play.

What we heard from the community

In late 2023 we asked you to share your ideas on what you like about the playground and what could be improved or added. To gather your thoughts we also hosted two community pop-up and drawing workshop sessions in the park

We listened to your feedback calling for more modern equipment, natural play opportunities, play equipment for older children and more seating, which is reflected in the draft design. The design also responds to feedback asking for more natural play features and includes a number of timber, sandstone and nature-inspired elements.

Read more about what we heard below or read the 2023 engagement summary here.

The draft design

We've created a draft design for Thornton Reserve Playground which features a range of elements.

New elements include:

• a 3m high slide on the embankment
• a multi-functional play unit with a double slide and climbing features for younger children
• a curved climbing structure designed for children aged 6+.
• an accessible carousel spinner
• a multi-user seesaw
• a single rocker
• a small merry-go-round
• a double-bay swing with toddler swing and a round “bird’s nest” swing.
• timber hopping logs
• a timber balance beam
• a natural timber bridge
• sandstone logs with timber rails for balance play and informal seatings
• timber pod seats
• curved seats, benches, table and stools
• a dry creek bed with native plants
• a new accessible entry and pathway
• and an open grass area for informal kick-about and play.

Existing elements include:

• The existing bubbler will be retained
• An existing bench will be retained
• The existing shade sails will be mostly retained - with one of the four posts (one-third of shade sails) will be removed.

Have your say

Now we have a draft design based on community feedback we'd like your comments before we proceed to design and construction. We invite you to share your thoughts via our feedback form on this page or come and talk to us at one of our pop-up sessions at Thornton Reserve Playground on Monday 1 December 4pm-5pm or Tuesday 2 December 4pm-5pm. Feedback closes 11.59pm Thursday 11 December 2025.

Next steps

Community feedback received will inform the final plan. We will announce the final design by early 2026. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 and will take approximately 16 weeks. The playground will be closed during construction and is expected to reopen in Spring 2026.

Sample comments from your feedback

What you told us you liked about the playground:

• "It’s in a quiet “hidden” gully"
• "It’s green all around; some opportunities to explore; good shade"
• "the playground equipment is mostly timber rather than too much plastic"
• "this playground has lasted so well"
• "the double slippery dip is good for friends; the huge slippery dip on the slope is fun”
• “It’s safe (no roads on the edge), shady and usually pretty quiet. Also, I like that the play equipment is mainly wooden and relaxed.”

What you told us you'd like to see improved:

• “The area immediately surrounding the big slide could be upgraded.”
• “Some equipment for older kids."
• "The wooden structures are really lovely, and it would be nice to retain the natural feel of the park given how it feels like a little clearing in a forest. The kids love all the trees and the “foresty” feel. Super important when home is an apartment!!”

Read a full summary of community feedback here.